An 8pm start ideal for Singapore GP

The Sunday Times, October 28, 2007
by Leonard Lim

WORLD champion Kimi Raikkonen and the other 23 Formula One drivers are set to make history in Singapore next September, when they rev off at 8pm in the sport's first night race.

But, apart from maximising the lunch-time television audience in Europe, local organisers are targeting an 8pm start for technical reasons.

Valerio Maioli, the race's lighting consultant, told The Sunday Times that driving during the sunset period - any time from 7pm to about 7.45pm - would be difficult for Raikkonen and Co.

'The level of the daylight is gradually decreasing at that time, and may result in the drivers' vision being momentarily impaired as they have to keep adjusting,' said the Italian.

He has over 40 years of experience in archaeological, industrial and motor-race lighting.

He added: 'It would thus be better for the drivers if they depended on a constant light source - via the lighting system - throughout the race.'

The lighting system can then replicate day-time conditions well once it is totally dark, said Singapore Grand Prix media and communications director, Jonathan Hallett.

Since last year, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has been pushing for night races - especially in Asia. This is to increase viewership in Europe, the sport's traditional heartland.

He was understandably delighted when the International Automobile Federation (FIA), motorsports' world governing body, granted approval for the Republic to stage a night race after months of testing overseas had proceeded without a hitch.

Under Maioli's plans, the 5.067-km Marina Bay street circuit will be bathed in light four times brighter than a typical football game.

Nearly 1,500 lighting projectors will be fitted on a temporary aluminium structure.

It will be bright enough to take photographs without flash.

The lighting will also be very even, with no dark areas of shadow.

Maioli stressed, however, that final approval for the race's proposed start time will have to come from the FIA.

Races in the day typically start at 2pm and end by 3.30pm.

Having an 8pm start will also allow the Singapore city skyline to be at its best for the expected 50 million viewers tuning in globally, according to Maioli.

He said: 'With the lighting level fixed against the dark background, the night cityscape will also look more visually appealing.'

The 2008 season begins in Melbourne on March 16, with one more team - Prodrive - added to this season's 11 teams.



'The level of the light is gradually decreasing at that time, and may result in the driver's vision being momentarily impaired as they have to keep adjusting. It would thus be better for the drivers if they depended on a constant light source - via the lighting system - throughout the race.'

- VALERIO MAIOLI, Singapore GP lighting consultant, on why the race cannot start during the sunset period from 7pm to 7.45pm