Singapore gets green light for F1 night race

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has granted approval*, via the Singapore Motor Sports Council, for the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix to hold the first night race in the sport’s history.

Mr Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board said: "The in-principle approval by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) for Singapore to host a night race is yet another positive step in our preparations to present to the world a truly unique Formula One race.

“Subject to final safety approval, Formula One fans worldwide will be able to enjoy a race experience like no other in Singapore from next year - a dramatic night street race set against our beautiful city skyline.”

“We are well on our way to creating history – with two positive lighting tests under our belt, we are on track to delivering the first night-race in Formula One history,” commented Mr Colin Syn, Deputy Chairman of Singapore GP.

The electric night-time atmosphere will deliver a different perspective for Formula One fans around the globe. The later start time will also ensure maximum exposure of the race to the important European television markets.

“Given that one of our objectives is to showcase Singapore to Formula One fans around the world, our late start-time will help us achieve this. The stunning city skyline backdrop will be an added bonus” added Mr Syn.

FAST FACTS: F1 Singapore Grand Prix

Race Date - 28 September 2008

Milestones
Asia’s first Formula One street race
First night-race in Formula One history*

Number of Laps
61 (estimated)

Circuit Length
5.067 km

Race Direction
Anti-clockwise

Number of Turns
24 turns, consisting of 14 left and 10 right turns

Maximum Speed
In excess of 300kph along Raffles Boulevard
Between 250 and 300kph on Pit Straight, St Andrews Road and Esplanade Drive

Slowest Corners
80 - 100 kph at T3, T10, T11, T15, T19 and T20

Overtaking Opportunities
Turn 1 Pit Straight
Turn 7 Raffles Boulevard
Turn 15 Esplanade Drive

*subject to final safety approvals.