Singapore GP - BMW Sauber - PreviewSunset in Singapore on the weekend of 26th28th September will set the scene for a captivating event: the first-ever night race in the history of Formula One.
The five-kilometre-plus circuit through the streets of the Asian port
city will be illuminated by floodlights for the 15th race of the 2008 World Championship season. The use of artificial lighting has been one of the hot topics in the lead-up to the Singapore Grand Prix.
As far as the technical preparations for the new street circuit are concerned, however, holding the race at night is barely an issue. The BMW Sauber F1 Team has been using its simulations to prepare for its 50th Grand Prix, in the same way it did for the recent GP on the new street circuit in Valencia.
Using the circuit data as a basis, the technology has enabled the engineers to calculate the anticipated ideal line. Lap time simulations were generated with various different car configurations, and when it came to mechanical set-up the data allowed the experts to determine weight distribution and spring and damper settings.
The team then used the calculated speeds to determine the transmission ratio, downforce levels and the track characteristics to establish the loads on the brakes in order to confirm material specifications and the amount of brake ventilation required.
However, the grip levels offered by the asphalt and the degree of tyre wear will remain unknown until the cars drive out onto the track for the first time.
With the Formula One bandwagon travelling to Asia from Europe, the best plan for the team's body clocks will simply be to ignore whether it is light or dark. The team will not eat breakfast until after lunchtime in Singapore, the drivers will go out onto the track in the evening and work will continue into the early hours.
Nick Heidfeld:
"Everyone is really looking forward to the Singapore Grand Prix. Firstly because it's a new track, secondly because it's a street circuit and thirdly, of course, because we'll be driving at night. The floodlights should ensure it is actually as bright as during the day, but nobody has yet experienced how these light conditions will feel at Formula One speeds. I would have welcomed the chance to test on the track, especially in the rain. Rain combined with the artificial light is the great unknown for me with this race. The climate should be similar to that in nearby Kuala Lumpur, and from experience it rains frequently there, especially in the early evening."
"In principle, I think it's a great idea to hold a race at night. I'm more of a night person I like to go to bed late, but am not a great early-riser. For that reason, the rhythm of this weekend should suit me. It's a question of adjustment. It's important to eat and sleep at the right times in order to ensure you're really on the button when you need to be."
"I doubt we'll have much free time, but as the race is taking place in the middle of the city I imagine we'll be able to absorb a fair amount and sense the atmosphere. I've never been to Singapore, apart from sitting in the airport, and am expecting it to be a vibrant and interesting Asian metropolis."
Robert Kubica:
"I am looking forward to Singapore, as the Grand Prix will be the second new race of the season. Racing on new tracks is always interesting I enjoy it very much and I am very excited. Beyond that, I am extremely happy to race on another street circuit as I am a big fan of street circuits. Lots of people consider it interesting that the race will start at night. But from a driver's perspective I think it does not make a big difference whether we race in the daylight or at night. There are still some question marks regarding weather conditions and related to the chance of rain the light situation. I am sure the FIA have done everything to make it a safe race."
BMW
