Premiere in Singapore, highlight of the season - Theissen

Just two days prior to the BMW Sauber F1 Team's first outing at Singapore's "Marina Bay Circuit", Mario Theissen talks about his expectations regarding the first night race in the history of Formula One. Following the successful races at Spa and Monza the BMW Motorsport Director hopes for another good result in the 15th round of the season.

Mario Theissen: "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. You only need to think of the special atmosphere you get at a football match under floodlights: the surroundings melt into the background, the action itself takes centre stage. I'm expecting this premiere in Singapore to be the highlight of the season.

"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.

"We're very much looking forward to another race in a booming region. I think the wide variety of circuits in the top category of motor racing this year makes sense and is the right approach. And, above all, it makes F1 extremely attractive for the spectators. The overall package represents probably the most spectacular mix of circuits there's ever been in Formula One.

"The recent back-to-back races at Spa and Monza saw Nick and Robert not only increase our number of podium finishes this year to ten, but also collect a total of 21 points - more than any other team. Now we're looking to follow up this good showing in the last couple of European races this year with a strong climax to the season."