Friday, April 30, 2010

The crazy night race in Singapore



Singapore / Cologne - Only four days until the first night race in Formula 1 (Sunday, 14 clock). Singapore, which means a crazy chase with Tempo 300 by Hochausschluchten.
1600 floodlights provide stadium atmosphere. And even the most fearless Formula 1 drivers have respect.
EXPRESS listened to the paddock - and answers the important questions.
"Singapore - this only occurs to me: Lights out, walk down," says Monza winner Sebastian Vettel (21) in his usual flippant Art by hooks EXPRESS: Have no fear, nothing to see? "One just needs to open his eyes," jokes of Hesse.
"No, seriously, I hope that they do not switch off the light." It would be the nightmare scenario: What happens when the middle of the race suddenly the lights go out?
The Italian lighting specialists Valerio Maioli, the high-tech system designed for Singapore. "Back-up generators to guarantee, as with any Formula 1 race, the safety of spectators, drivers and track marshals," he said, assuring the best visibility conditions:
"Our 1600 light projectors with a total capacity of 3,180,000 watts care with 3,000 lux for four times more light than in sports stadiums."
Toyota driver Timo Glock (26) has been from his time in the U.S. Champ Car night experience: "I've ridden in Las Vegas 2005, a night race, because of the lighting conditions, it produces no change," says Glock, but I know also: "Singapore is very different, because there certainly is raining."
The tropical island is located 137 km north of the Equator and the probability of rain is 70 percent at the race Sunday. Vettel weather in Singapore! And the twisty course with 23 corners and three plays to the overtaking Toro Rosso's young star.
"Can super Seppi" hope after his historic victory in Monza rain chaos on another success?
"It would be presumptuous to expect from us a victory in Singapore," said Vettel, but is looking forward to the new challenge: "I think it is quite another to drive into the night. And the route is the hammer. "
Nick Heidfeld BMW-Star Singapore provides a very pragmatic: "I'm more of a night person and not a great early riser. So I should fit well the rhythm of this weekend. "