Singapore's night race may see light of day next week

Two successful trials held in France may lead to approval for next year's F1 event

The Straits Times, October 3, 2007
by Leonard Lim



SINGAPORE'S bid to stage its inaugural Formula One race under the stars could be approved as soon as next week.

The Straits Times understands that the safety commission of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), motor sport's world- governing body, will meet in Paris next Wednesday to discuss the progress on night-time trials.

So far, so good. Two trials in France have been successful, which may lead to approval being given for next year's race on Sept28. If approval is given, Singapore will be the first to stage a night race.

'The lighting plans for the Singapore Grand Prix will be discussed at this meeting,' said a source.

'In-principle approval could be given after that, and an announcement by local organisers is expected a few days after.'

Full approval is likely to come next year if a final trial staged here in May goes smoothly.

Last week, Singapore's 5.067-km Marina Bay street track was granted in-principle approval.

Like other F1 circuits, the full licence will be granted following a final inspection during the week of the race itself.

Added another source: 'The tests will be an ongoing process and the lighting engineers will be keeping the FIA officials up to speed with the progress.'

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is pushing for several night races on the calendar - especially in Asia - to increase television viewership figures in North America and Europe.

According to Colin Syn, deputy chairman of race organiser Singapore GP, two tests conducted in March and last month at France's Paul Ricard circuit 'went well'.

Renault test driver Nelson Piquet Jr gave his 'unreserved approval' to night racing after conducting the latest test on Sept 4.

He told the Sept 13 edition of leading motor-racing magazine Autosport: 'It just felt normal - just like driving in the day.

'You didn't really notice a difference in light because you're always focusing on the apex of each corner. If we can see them, then nothing else really matters.'

The Brazilian conducted runs in a GP2 car around a floodlit section of the Marseille circuit.

Three of the track's 10 corners, including both high- and low-speed ones, were illuminated by floodlights.

The Singapore trial will involve setting up floodlights along part of the circuit.

To minimise disruptions, organisers intend to use Turn 21 to Turn3 of the anti-clockwise circuit as that stretch is not open to traffic.

The construction of this section will start this month and end in April. It will pass the Singapore Flyer and pit building.

Turn 21 is close to the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Hotel and Turn 3 links the Start/Finish straight to Republic Boulevard.

F1 teams and drivers have so far given mixed responses to night racing.

Many are apprehensive about the safety aspects, saying that visibility could be compromised if circuits were illuminated with artificial light.