We might have a rainy night race at Singapore this weekend
It will be exciting to witness the first rainy night race in the history of the Formula 1, however as entertaining as it may seem, plenty of Formula 1 drivers admitted that they are concerned about it as it is going to be a completely different challenge
and it will not be easy.
It has been 2 years since the Formula 1 introduced the Singapore Grand prix to its calendar. The circuit was highly appreciated due to its high-downforce nature and it is still the unique race in the calendar since the race takes place on a floodlit circuit
at night.
The Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg said that he is definitely worried about this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix since rain is expected to hit the track sometime during the race. “It's going to be rather interesting if it rains, but I hope it doesn't because
it will be quite messy”, he said.
Rubens Barrichello, being one of the most experienced drivers was also worried, but excited at the same time. “I've never driven in the rain at night. I really do not know what to say about that. We just have to wait and see”, said the Brazilian.
One of the championship contenders Sebastian Vettel was also not sure what this weekend has in store for him. He said that Formula 1 is yet to experience a race at a shining wet track and it will be interesting if it happens this weekend.
The drivers are concerned about the fact that the bright floodlights will reflect the wet surface of the circuit and the rain droplets falling down. On Wednesday, there was a heavy shower around the Marina Bay area and another severe storm rolled in on Thursday.
“It [Wednesday's rain] was so heavy that rivers of water flooded the track to a point where the tyres can't deal with it. In daylight, we can see beyond the track if we are heading into rain. However, here, the light is contained on the circuit and everything
else is dark. So it'll be very challenging on the drivers' peripheral vision”, said Sir Jackie Stewart.
It seems that Formula 1 has covered the requirement for the wet floodlit conditions but still it will not be easy for the drivers. The championship is heading towards its climax and the top running drivers will not be happy if something unfortunate takes
place costing them the championship this season due to the uncertain conditions.
The 2010 season is getting even better with every race and it is quite exciting since 3 teams are still battling for the drivers’ title with 2 drivers each from Red Bull and McLaren and 1 driver from Ferrari. After Fernando Alonso’s win at Ferrari’s home
grand prix at Monza, the Spaniard is back in the game and is keeping his fingers crossed for the Singapore Grand Prix. However, he is currently in 3rd place behind Mark Webber and Lewis Hamilton in 1st and 2nd places respectively
in the drivers’ standings. Fernando is just 21 points behind the leader Mark Webber while Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel are just 1 and 3 points behind him respectively.
McLaren is expected to struggle at the Singapore Grand Prix, as McLaren was not able to perform very well at the Hungarian and Monaco Grand Prix that share almost the same features as this week’s Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay. The Marina Bay circuit
is a street like circuit and requires high-downforce due to its bumpy nature and tight turns.
It is quite clear that none of the top five drivers is going to give up anytime soon and the drivers will take it to the end. In the constructors’ standings on the other hand, it is more like a two horse race as McLaren is just 3 points behind the leaders
Red Bull.
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