Singapore Grand Prix in lights 'show and tell'

The Straits Times, October 17, 2007
by Leonard Lim


A SNEAK peek at the leading lights of the Sept 28 Singapore Grand Prix was given yesterday. The star was not the drivers, or the cars, but the lighting system.

For Singapore will only be given the green light to stage Formula One's first night race when the International Automobile Federation (FIA) is satisfied that it can be held under safe, near-daylight conditions.

Valerio Maioli, with whom race organisers have signed a letter of intent to design and construct the system, presented his proposal to the Singapore media at Hard Rock Cafe.

This was the first time that Singapore GP has shed light on the system, which has undergone tests in Europe over the last few months.

Nearly 1,500 light projectors, powered by a total of 24 generators, will be fitted along a temporary aluminium truss around the 5.067-km Marina Bay street circuit.

The truss, 10 metres above ground level and supported by vertical steel pylons 32m apart, will be only on one side of the track to keep logistics and costs to a minimum.

Some of the constraints preventing both sides of the circuit from being used are the narrow roads, some only 8m wide, and trees lining it. Organisers are reluctant to cut any trees down.

Maioli was 'very confident' that the Republic will stage F1's first race under the stars.

Said the 60-year-old Italian, who presented his proposal to the FIA's Safety Commission last Wednesday: 'It went very well. The 15-member panel was very happy that my system addressed all their concerns.'

Among its main concerns were: Near-daylight conditions along the whole track, sharp and clear images for TV cameras, avoiding glare in drivers' eyes even if the car spins and it is raining, and providing a good experience for spectators.

F1 commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone is pushing for several night races, especially in Asia, to increase television viewership in North America and Europe.

In-principle approval from the FIA is expected by the end of the year.

Said Colin Syn, deputy chairman of race organiser Singapore GP: 'I'm 99 per cent certain we'll receive approval for a night race. I hope it's soon.'

Two tests in France have gone well. After the latest on Sept 4 in Marseille, Renault test driver Nelson Piquet Jr gave his 'unreserved approval' to night racing.

More tests in Europe are understood to be on the cards, with the possibility of F1 drivers themselves taking part.

Under Maioli's proposal, the circuit will be bathed in 3,000 lux of light. In comparison, the lights at the National Stadium during a football game at night shine at about 650 lux.

Lux is a unit for illuminance, and measures the intensity of light.

Drivers would not be affected in the rain. Maioli explained: 'The light beams come in at angles instead of vertically, so that the reflection doesn't get into the drivers' eyes even if there are puddles during a downpour.'

The power source is 12 sets of twin-powered generators about 400m apart, with one programmed to take over immediately should the other fail.

Organisers declined to reveal costs, but early estimates put the system at around US$5 million (S$7.3 million).

The lights will be brought to Singapore in January for testing. And Singapore GP said it is in talks with local contractors, who will undertake about 95 per cent of the work.

Construction is slated to begin in April, with the organisers given a deadline of one month before the race to be ready.