As the Singapore Grand Prix draws near, BMW Sauber F1 team boss Dr. Mario Theissen and BMW Sauber technical director Willy Rampf has a few comments regarding our local race. Here below are a few of their quotations in a recent interview

• “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”
• “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”
• “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”

The F1 first ever night race will be a unique race as the artificial lighting and track surface on wet condition will be new challenges for all F1 teams