Singapore will join the list of Formula One race host spots next year, according to officials of the city state.

"We are pleased to announce that Singapore will be hosting the F1 Grand Prix from 2008," said S. Iswaran, Minister of State for Trade and Industry at a news conference on Friday.

The first race would be in September or October 2008 and may beheld for the first time ever in the F1 history under lights on the streets of this skyscraper-filled metropolis, according to Iswaran.

In a video conference from Spain, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone expressed his enthusiasm at the prospect of a night race in Singapore.

"Singapore is going to be the leader with the street race at night. Everyone's excited about the idea," Ecclestone said.

The government, however, was still evaluating the safety considerations of holding the race under lights after the city-state secured the rights to hold the race for five years.

Editor: Donald