On September 28, Singapore will shed light on Formula One racing, literally. The Asian city-state is bringing both suspense and 3,180,000 watts of electricity to its inaugural Grand Prix, the 2008 SingTel Singapore GP, which will be held at night — a first for F1.
With four times the illumination of normal floodlighting for a football stadium, the racecourse should look a little like the surface of the sun. In order to safely and productively light the 5.06-km track, with its 23 turns and top speeds of nearly 200 mph, specialist Valerio Maioli and track technicians KBR Engineers Pte Ltd evenly spaced the lamps, creating a consistent brightness that benefits drivers as well as HD cameras. The lamps are also angled to minimize glare for riders should rain enter the equation. Drivers will be guided by electronic flags, replacing the standard beacon of the checkered flag. The "Digiflags," also a first for Formula One, will display the different flag colors more effectively at night than old-fashioned flags.
Stephen Slater, ESPN Star Sports commentator and one of the region's best-known Formula One pundits, sees the earning potential of this unorthodox Prix. "There are many advantages to a night race," he says. "An electric nighttime atmosphere will deliver an amazing perspective on Singapore and its stunning cityscape." He adds that the later start time in Singapore will also ensure maximum exposure of the GP to the important European and Asian television markets. In fact, Slater's prediction has already proven true. The unusual competition has caught the imagination of racing enthusiasts and carnage-seekers alike, with 92 percent of the 100,000-plus tickets already sold.
Singapore signed a five-year deal with F1, allowing the country to host one Grand Prix annually. The next four races are also expected to be held at night. Lawrence Leong, the director of F1 projects for Singapore's tourism board, estimates that the local economy will earn 100 million Singapore dollars ($74 million U.S.) per race, boosting spending at hotels, restaurants, and shops.
But the question remains: Which driver will benefit from the late-night flag drop? With less than 10 points separating the leader — McLaren-Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton — from Ferrari's Kimi Räikkönen and Felipe Massa, a win could solidify Hamilton's narrow lead or blow the field wide open. Slater says of the 23-year-old, "One of his real strengths is his ability to learn new tracks really quickly and to get the best out of his McLaren right from the word go." He adds that Singapore's combination of slow-speed corners and long, fast straights will place an emphasis on traction out of the turns to allow the cars to accelerate quickly up to top speed. "That, so far this season, has been a McLaren strong point." But the nighttime Prix will be unlike any race any of the competitor has faced before, which could present unforeseen advantages to lesser-known drivers and teams, as well as hinder the success of favorites. Whatever happens, the race will be an unusual bright spot on the Formula One circuit.
