Singapore's race will be around the Marina Bay

The race, scheduled for September 2008, is planned for a street circuit around the city state's Marina Bay district.

Minister of Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang said: "We're confident - the track assessments have been going well.

"We're committed to making sure the lighting levels and the road conditions will be safe."

Construction has formally began of the waterfront pit complex, which is expected to hold 36 garages for 12 racing teams.

It will also house the race control centre and the winners' podium, and is scheduled to be completed at the end of May.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone wants several Asian night races on the race calendar to make broadcast times more accessible to European and North American TV.

The proposal has met with mixed responses from teams and drivers, with safety concerns the main issue.

606: DEBATE Street circuits mean no overtaking, and driving at night means dew on the track meaning less grip and even less overtaking JohnnyParanoia

Singapore has the rights to hold the race for five years - with the option for an extention should the FIA so choose.

Preliminary lighting trials for night racing were conducted in France last month. Another test is expected for October before the decision is formally taken by the FIA.

Confirmation of the final circuit layout is also expected next month.