A night race is very attractive - Theissen

Next year's Singapore GP is due to be the first night race in the history of Formula One. From BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen's point of view, it is an interesting idea - as long as the safety of the drivers is guaranteed.

According to the provisional Formula One calendar, Singapore's debut appearance at the pinnacle of motor racing will take place on 28th September 2008. Before then, however, the World Automobile Association, FIA, has to assure itself of the effectiveness of the special safety measures taken for Formula One's first ever night event.

Theissen says: "Should the safety of the drivers not be guaranteed thinking about the rest wouldn't make any sense. The operational reliability of the lighting system must be better than in a football stadium. Should the lighting system fail this would immediately result in a situation that would put the drivers' safety at risk. However, it's no rocket-science to create a fail-proof lighting system."

"Form my point of view, a night race is very attractive," adds Theissen. "Just think about the special atmosphere of football matches held under floodlights. I can imagine that this would also be great for a Formula One race. When the floodlights are on the environment takes a backseat while the race action comes to the fore."