SINGAPORE, May 15: From three Grand Prix four years ago to six today, Asia has become the new focus for the movers and shakers who drive Formula One.

The announcement of Singapore as a host city last week reinforces F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone's belief that the region is a key cog in the sports's future development.

With little chance that any Asia-Pacific Grand Prix will be axed any time soon, it means it will host at least six races from 2010 -- in Australia, Malaysia, China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.

Three of them (China, South Korea and Singapore) have been added since 2004 at the expense of Formula One's traditional base in Europe as the sport aims for a more globalised calendar.—AFP