Singapore is putting the final touches on its preparations for Sunday’s inaugural grand prix and for Formula One’s drivers, manufacturers and its tyre supplier, the sport’s first night race represents a new kind of challenge.
Ferrari’s team director Stefano Domenicali is happy to see the series break new ground with races like the one in Singapore but feels the heat will be a major factor in the setup of the cars.
“We know that it is normally hot here, even at night,” the Italian said.
“But we’re happy…the night race represents a new challenge and is good for the spectators and television audiences.”
When it was first announced, teams had questions about the lighting, the potential for glare off the surface if it rained, and the wisdom of combining the novelty of a night race with a newly constructed track that none of the drivers has seen, let alone driven on.
Most teams have come up with video-game-like simulators to allow their drivers to get a feel for the track before they arrive, but the major mystery remains the glare caused by rain in tropical Singapore.
“I would have welcomed the chance to test on the track, especially in the rain,” BMW’s Nick Heidfeld said. “Rain combined with the artificial light is the great unknown for me with this race.”
Championship leader Lewis Hamilton and McLaren teammate Heikki Kovalainen along with Red Bull’s David Coulthard and Mark Webber all endorsed the city-state’s circuit and said they were eager to get cracking on the 5.067 kilometre track.
“It looks as though they have done a really good job,” Australian Webber said. “I had thought there might be some bumpier sections because there is some reclaimed land but it looks great.
“I think the visibility looks like it is going to be really good .... the most exciting thing for me is (racing under) the lights. It is going to look spectacular.”
Coulthard agreed. “The track looks well groomed,” he smiled. “I am looking forward to getting out there.” Finn Kovalainen was also full of praise.
| 
|