Theissen expecting ''the highlight of the season''The upcoming inaugural Singapore Grand Prix has been raising enthusiasm within and without the F1 world. For the teams, the new venue also represents a challenge made of many unknowns: a new circuit, a first night race,
and the lack of sunrays to heat the track.
BMW Sauber team principal Mario Theissen is particularly anticipating this next round of the championship for many reasons, as he explains below.
The team's Technical Director, Willy Rampf, also explains the factors which have been taken into account while preparing for the Singaporean race.
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
"Singapore is the second unknown quantity on the calendar this year after Valencia. Both are city races, but in Singapore the action will also be taking place at night – and that in an Asian metropolis and against an amazing backdrop. This will give the event even more appeal and excitement. You only need to think of the special atmosphere you get at a football match under floodlights: the surroundings melt into the background, the action itself takes centre stage. I'm expecting this premiere in Singapore to be the highlight of the season."
"We had a look around the circuit at a meeting of team managers in Singapore and were given a demonstration of the lighting system. We were left very much with the impression that, although the race would be at night, it would actually be as bright as day. The only question remaining is whether the light will reflect from the track surface if it rains.
That's something we'll only find out if we get a wet race."
"We're very much looking forward to another race in a booming region. I think the wide variety of circuits in the top category of motor racing this year makes sense and is the right approach. And, above all, it makes F1 extremely attractive for the spectators. The overall package represents probably the most spectacular mix of circuits there's ever been in Formula One."
"The recent back-to-back races at Spa and Monza saw Nick (Heidfeld) and Robert (Kubica) not only increase our number of podium finishes this year to ten, but also collect a total of 21 points – more than any other team. Now we're looking to follow up this good showing in the last couple of European races this year with a strong climax to the season."
Willy Rampf, Technical Director:
"From the spectators' point of view, the Singapore Grand Prix – the first night race in the history of Formula One – will be a highlight in the truest sense of the word. The circuit has a large number of 90-degree corners in the 100 km/h speed band, which means that traction will take top priority. The downforce level is high, comparable to Monaco."
"As things stand, the biggest unknown is the track surface. Its lack of exposure to the sun is a factor that should not be underestimated, as the asphalt temperatures will be lower than at other races in this part of the world. That is something we'll need to take into account with the car set-up."
"Because this is a new circuit for all of us, we'll be relying one-hundred per cent on our simulation, which has proved to be very good in the past. The unusual working times will certainly demand a fair amount of all involved, but will also be an interesting experience."
"In Jerez we tested several new aerodynamic components which we'll be using in Singapore. I'm confident that we'll be able to continue our positive recent run of results and am looking forward to this new challenge."
BMW
