Singapore GP backer arrested by country's anti-graft agency

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Singapore-based property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, the man responsible for bringing Formula 1 to the island country, was arrested earlier this week following an investigation by the state's anti-graft body.

The Malaysian billionaire is the founder of the Singapore-based organisation Hotel Properties which holds the rights to the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay.

Ong Beng Seng was arrested and subsequently released on bail along with Singapore's transport minister, S Iswaran.

While Ong has not been charged with any offenses, the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) has instructed him, through his company Hotel Properties Limited, to provide information regarding his "interactions with Minister S Iswaran."

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Ong was instrumental in bringing F1 to Singapore and establishing an event that has generated incremental tourism receipts of over S$1.5 billion in revenues since its debut in 2008.

The race was suspended for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic but returned to the calendar in 2022.

It is worth noting that the ongoing investigation does not appear to have any direct ties to the Singapore Grand Prix, and Ong is reportedly fully cooperating with the authorities.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.