Singapore trackside view with Honda's Ron Meadows
Round fifteen of the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship takes F1 circus to south-east Asia for the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix. The 61-lap race will take place on a 5.067km (3.149-mile) street circuit around the city-state’s picturesque Marina Bay. For the first time in Formula One history, the race will be staged at night.
Ron Meadows, Honda Sporting Director: “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 6 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 pitlane because the lights are positioned above the pits. This means the outside wheels will be in shadow during a pitstop 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.”
