F1 Night Race Singapore Preview
Formula One Enters the Unknown as Singapore Stages its First Race.
Sep 13, 2008
Venture into the unknown.
As Singapore readies itself, many teams and drivers have expressed their concerns over the safety of the race and whether yet another street race is really needed on the formula one calendar.
Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo was one to express his concern that Singapore will be yet another street race with little overtaking opportunity similar to fellow debutant Valencia a month ago.
Singapore and Valencia have joined traditional street circuits in Monaco, Canada and Australia this year, as Bernie Ecclestone looks determined to attract further commercial revenue into the sport.
It is certain that Formula One will be set for a big pay day as it heads to Singapore this weekend, but whether the circuit itself will be safe enough for a Formula One race is still a matter of debate.
The race scheduled to be at night for European television audiences to watch at prime time will be held under floodlights with no notable modifications made to any of the cars themselves. Honda driver Jenson Button in particular has expressed his concerns if a power cut were to happen.
The championship fight continues.
It will be the next chapter in the fierce championship battle between Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa, a fight so close that one error in preparation in Singapore could cost one driver the championship.
After a unsuccessful appeal by Lewis Hamilton to overturn his penalty in Belgium for gaining an advantage by cutting the bus stop chicane, Hamilton heads to Singapore with just a one point lead over his closest rival.
However organisers in Singapore insist that the race will be a success and strive to make the new street circuit 'the Monaco of the east', attempting to match the glitz and glamour achieved in it's European equivalent.
There is no question that the race will be a spectacular spectacle and will have every Formula one fan watching intrigued by a first night race for the sport. Lets just hope the race makes headlines for providing an excellent race and not provide doubts over the future of night racing.
Driver Form:
Sebastian Vettel's confidence will be high coming from his excellent maiden victory at a wet Monza two weeks ago. Vettel will be hoping for a similar race at this new track with the forecast of possible rain this weekend sure to excite him.
Lewis Hamilton will be looking to overcome his disappointment of losing his appeal against his penalty received in Belgium and will want a victory to increase the gap over his closest rival Massa. He will be counting on Mclaren to maintain their good record at tight street circuits in order to gain an advantage over the unsuited Ferrari.
Felipe Massa will look to continue his good consistency in recent races as the highly improved driver is left to head Ferrari's title challenge, with Kimi Raikkonen seemingly needing a miracle to win the title this year.
Singapore facts and stats:
The race will be the first Formula One race to be held at night with the race starting at 8pm local time in Singapore.
Floodlights will be used to light up the entire street circuit in the Marina Bay area of the city.
Laps: 61
Lap distance: 5.067 km
Lap record: (yet to be set)
Weather Forecast: Possible thunderstorms
