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SINGAPORE: Following Australia's
rejection of F1 czar Bernie Ecclestone's call for Melbourne to
host a night race, Singapore is set to pick up the distinction
of being the first nation to stage a Formula 1 race under
spotlights.
Mr Jonathan Hallett — communications director of Singapore GP,
organisers and promoters of the Formula 1 Grand Prix here — said
their potential corporate partners are in full support of a
night race.
Other sources revealed another major change to TODAY: Pending
FIA approval, the maiden Singapore Grand Prix, set to flag off
on Sept 28 next year, will run counter-clockwise, just one of
three tracks on the F1 circuit to do so.
Taking off in this direction would remove a potentially
hazardous congestion at the narrow portion of the track in front
of the Marina Bay Floating Platform, as the cars roar off from
the start-finish line — slated to be under the Benjamin Sheares
Bridge, near the Singapore Eye.
A counter-clockwise direction would present safer run-off areas
at the first turn for the accelerating cars on the all-important
opening lap.
Ecclestone has been pushing for races in the Asia-Pacific to be
held at night, in an effort to attract more viewers in the
sport's key European market, who would prefer tuning in in the
afternoon.
Though the Melbourne race will remain a day event, the
organisers will, as a compromise, start the race at 3.30pm, 90
minutes later than in previous years.
Last week, Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive
Drew Ward told TODAY that their corporate clientele, which form
a big part of their revenue, and the public "want to enjoy the
entertainment in the sunshine and may not attend a night race".
In Singapore's case, corporate clients have responded positively
to the idea of a night race, which will spare spectators the
scorching afternoon sun, Mr Hallett added.
"A night race makes more sense in our tropical climate.
Spectators will find it more comfortable."
He added that a night race will also best show off the city
skyline, all lit up, to an estimated 350 million television
audience worldwide.
"Nevertheless, we will carry out a night race only if the FIA
and (Ecclestone's) Formula One Administration find that the
safety of drivers and spectators is not compromised."
On Friday, Formula 1 announced the 18 races for next season,
confirming that the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix will flag off
on Sept 28. The race here will be the 15th leg in the calendar.
"Our plans have always been geared towards an exciting
end-of-season race date and it is great this has now been
officially confirmed," said Singapore GP deputy chairman Colin
Syn.
"It's going to be very exciting to see everything take shape as
we all head towards the Sept 28, 2008 date."
Mr Hallett also said the layout for the street circuit has
already been submitted to the FIA for approval but declined to
confirm if it will run anti-clockwise.
Tracks running anti-clockwise — including those in Brazil,
Turkey and previously at the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola,
Italy — pose an additional challenge to drivers whose neck
muscles are conditioned to brace against the G-forces of
circuits with more right turns.
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