Trackside View: Singapore Eurosport - Tue, 23 Sep 13:11:00 2008 Honda Racing sporting director Ron Meadows offers a trackside view of the street circuit in Singapore, set to host Formula One's maiden night race next weekend. More StoriesGlock: Night racing like nothing else DigiFlags to debut in Singapore Expert's view: Singapore Singapore: Tech File Video: Hamilton in Paris Video: Toyota on night race "Delegates from the Formula One teams visited Singapore in July with the FIA and we were very impressed with the facilities at the Marina Bay circuit. "The working conditions will be excellent as the pit garages are very spacious at six metres by 20 metres and each team will have a minimum of three garages to work in. "At the time of our visit, the lights had been erected at the beginning and end of the lap and, having seen these, I have no concerns at all about visibility on the racetrack. Rather than using orange visors to brighten their field of vision, the drivers might use slightly tinted ones because the combination of the circuit lights, tail lights on other cars and dashboard lights could prove to be quite dazzling. "The only potential concern is in the pit-lane because the lights are positioned above the pits. This means the outside wheels will be in shadow during a pit-stop which could make it difficult for the guys with the wheel guns; however this will be the same for all the teams. "As for the track itself, it looks excellent. It's a proper street circuit that passes alongside some of Singapore's most famous landmarks and, like Monaco, it will be opened to the public for a few hours each day. "As with all street tracks, the surface is not as smooth as a permanent racetrack and it varies in width. Some sections utilise a three-lane highway, while in other places the track is quite narrow and the barriers create a really enclosed feeling. "The organisers are expecting there to be three overtaking opportunities around the lap and if that's the case, we have a lot to look forward to in the race. "One of the biggest factors of the weekend could be the weather. It frequently rains during the evening in Singapore and the forecast looks like more of the same which will add another dimension to the challenge. "In terms of equipment and personnel, we are treating Singapore as a normal flyaway race. However, when we arrive we will operate to a revised schedule. We will remain on European time for the duration of the event, which will mean working at night and sleeping during the day. "Many aspects of the race weekend will be a step into the unknown for all the teams which should make it an interesting experience." Honda F1 team / Eurosport
Meh. It might look cool, but another street circuit where passing is impossible is not my idea of a good race. Hope I'm wrong.
I'm really hoping this track works out well. My biggest concern is making sure I've got the viewing times right...
Gilles, Go to Formula1.com and hit the converter under the countdown for the race on the Formula1.com homepage, should be easy. Good luck!
Latest weather for the weekend in Singapore http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/weekend/SNXX0006?from=36hr_topnav_business
I'm really excited for this race. I was a bit disappointed by the Valencia street course, but I'm sure this will be a lot different, especially w/ rain!
