Singapore Grand Prix - selected preview quotes 19 Sep 2008
Already it is being billed by many in the sport as the most exciting premiere in Formula One history - a night race through the spectacular Singapore metropolis, on an all-new anticlockwise street circuit that will see drivers speed past historic landmarks such as the Anderson Bridge, St Andrews Road and Raffles Boulevard. Its a mouth-watering prospect for spectators and participants alike
Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari
The most important thing is to win again. The situation in the championship is what it is and it doesn't depend anymore only on my results, but of my competitors' results. In theory it's not over yet, but I don't have it under control anymore. Last year, in the second part of the season, we had a great set up for the car and I was able to win many races. It was much more difficult this year. Especially as far as the tyre temperature is concerned. When the temperature is right, the car is very competitive. We'll give it our best at Singapore, so that we can fight for the win, which still remains the main objective. We have to give it all in these four races and then we'll see what's going to happen. I've said it many times: victory is the only objective, the essence of motor racing. I'm not just here for driving, but I want to win.
Monza was a bad weekend for me, but afterwards we had a good test session at Mugello. The car had a very good set up in the last two races on the dry track and we've tested some new solutions, which will improve the performance. Last week I spent a day with the simulator at the CRF (Fiat Research Centre) at Turin, where I got an idea of the track, where we're going to race at the weekend.
I can't wait to get back on the track, because I love new challenges: since we've known the Championship's race calendar, I've been waiting for 28th September. Of course when I think of the results I had this year on street circuits, I shouldn't be too optimistic, but I still like to race on this kind of track: it's pure emotion, when you find the right set up for the single-seater and race between the walls. I don't think that it will be a big problem that we race at night. They've done it already with motorbikes and it was a great experience. I'm someone who likes to sleep late. My body will adapt perfectly fine to this unusual time of day.
In the end it's not important when the race starts. When you put on your helmet and go out to the starting grid, you've such a high adrenaline level, that you forget everything else and you just think about giving it everything for the whole race.
They say that it rains every evening at Singapore. This shouldn't worry us too much, because everybody will race under the same condition. I think that we'll have the possibility to win in the four outstanding races and I will give it my all to make it and to help the Team to reach its goals.
Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari team principal
"We come to Singapore on the back of a profitable three-day test which saw us make progress with the F2008 package that should ensure we are competitive at the highest level over the remaining four races. The fight for the two titles will be very close and, at the Maranello launch of the (Ferrari) California, Kimi (Raikkonen) and Felipe (Massa) met President Montezemolo, who made it very clear that, as usual Ferrari's simple target come the end of the season is to win both titles. Both drivers will be working towards this target over the remaining four races, knowing that, as always for the Scuderia, the good of the team comes first."
Nico Rosberg, Williams
It should be a good race for us as the track looks like it should suit our car pretty well and personally I always really enjoy racing on street circuits. New tracks are often quite demanding and take a bit of time during practice to get used to. Racing at night will add to that challenge, but the whole concept of night racing is fantastic. It will be a great show for the fans, and an interesting experience for all the teams. Singapore itself is a great new venue for Formula One and for all of our partners as well. Im flying out quite late this week and will stay on European time while there. This weekend gives us another opportunity to claim some points which is certainly our aim.
Kazuki Nakajima, Williams
Im quite looking forward to the race in Singapore. Its going to be very interesting as its the first time at a new destination for everybody. Weve been doing quite a bit of work in our simulator in preparation for this race and it looks like Singapore could be quite a complex circuit with lots of corners, but it should still suit our car. I dont think driving at night will be a problem if its dry but, if its wet which it looks like it will be, it could be quite difficult with the reflection. Ill be staying on European time which will be a real challenge as well be staying awake until the early hours of the morning but then sleeping until the middle of the afternoon! Lets hope all the extra effort is worth it!
Sam Michael, Williams technical director
Singapore is a new circuit on the Formula One calendar that promises lots of action, even if only for the fact that its our first ever night race. Running at night will bring new challenges for all the teams, from the driver having to adjust himself to different levels of visibility to team personnel having unusual sleeping and eating patterns! The circuit itself has over 20 corners within its layout, only two of which will be taken at speeds in excess of 100mph, so lap times will be dictated by the grip achieved during the slow speed sections. Because of this, well run a similar rear wing level to Monaco, i.e. the maximum available. Bridgestone will bring the soft and super soft Potenza tyres to this race which will give the maximum amount of grip available on what we expect to be a slippery street surface. To add to the excitement of the night race, there is also a strong possibility of rain during the evening, which is normal in such a humid climate. At this stage, a likely strategy scenario is unknown. Although we have some data from our work on the simulator, we will have to wait until we get circuit data for tyre degradation and pit lane loss time.
Vijay Mallya, Force India chairman and managing director
With the large Indian population and the proximity to India, (the Singapore Grand Prix is) something that we very much look forward to. For the companies that sponsor the car, and others as well, Singapore is going to be a big, big venue. It has rightfully aroused tremendous international interest: it's a new venue, the first night race and a street race, which are always hugely popular. I think it's going to be absolutely spectacular. They have built in a huge amount of entertainment as well and there will be bars and live music, and it will all be open well after the events on the track are over, so I think it promises to be a huge amount of fun. This is what F1 needs.
I've been a resident of Singapore for the last 25 years, and one thing I can tell you is that it rains every night. You don't have to pray for rain, it just comes! People say that rain suits Force India, but rain has the same effect on everybody. It doesn't give a special opportunity for us alone. If it's a challenge for other drivers, it's equally a challenge for our drivers.
Colin Kolles, Force India team principal
It's going to be a very interesting event. We'll have to work on different time zones and it looks to be a very special track. Additionally it's a night event, so it's something that I am really looking forward to. It should be very spectacular to see the cars racing under the lights. I would like to get two cars to the end of the race and to see them both racing. As always, we have to be realistic, but also optimistic that we can get a good result should the circumstances allow.
Mike Gascoyne, Force India chief technical officer
As with every new race, initially we only have the track map to start from. We have recently run this on our simulations and it looks to be quite slow. Some corners are very wide and will allow several different lines if conditions are wet, but it does look like there will only be a couple of overtaking possibilities if it is dry. Our team manager, Andy Stevenson, has also been out to Singapore to recce the track, the layout of the pit complex, and of course the lights. I think are well prepared.
In engineering terms, there is no difference between a race in the day or at night, as the set-up is exactly the same. The biggest difference will be the schedule. We won't be starting until later in the day and then we will finish a lot later than usual. In general we work for eight hours after the finish of a session so on Friday that will be a finish of around 7am! This means we will probably stick to a European time zone but the toughest challenge will be to avoid jet lag and fatigue, which is when mistakes occur.
Giancarlo Fisichella, Force India
I'm feeling confident going to Singapore now after a good event in Monza. Throughout the weekend we were strong and it was a nice feeling to finally make it to Q2. I was disappointed we couldn't make more of the race as I think we could have finished well, but we were competitive throughout the weekend so we have to be positive from this point of view.
From all I have heard, Singapore is going to be a fantastic event. Even after 12 years in F1, it's nice to go to new venues and particularly one where fans and media have really got behind the sport. It will be interesting to race under lights too. I think it will be different, but we will soon adapt - we will do our track walk when it gets dark so we will have an idea of how it will be and how the track will look with the glare from the floodlights. I hope we can carry forward our improved performance to Singapore. There's a lot of support from Indian fans over there and I hope we can put on a good show for them.
Adrian Sutil, Force India
I'm really looking forward to this event as it will be very different to any other race on the calendar. It's a new venue in an amazing city, and of course a night race. For sure having a race in the dark will be very interesting, the lights are going to be very bright, so for us it might seem like we are racing during the day, perhaps even brighter. I'll stay at the track when they switch the lights on for the first time so I can see exactly what it will be like.
The fact that the race is in Asia will also be a real challenge. Timing wise I will try to stay on European time so I am used to being awake during the night. I think this is very important as you want to be at your peak during the sessions, and not feeling like you need to go to bed! I will also arrive a day earlier than I normally would for a flyaway race to get used to the humidity and the heat, which I expect will be very similar to Malaysia. I hope we can get a good result here in Singapore. I was disappointed in Italy, firstly not to have qualified better and then I couldn't push during the race, so I really hope for more at the next race.
Jarno Trulli, Toyota
"Singapore is a new challenge for everyone because it is the first time we will race there and the first time to race at night. We don't know exactly how the track will be or how challenging the conditions could be, so it will be very interesting. For any new circuit, Friday practice is really important because that is when you can understand the track and that is particularly true in Singapore when we are driving at different times compared to a normal weekend. It is going to be a challenge for everyone and I am looking forward to it. It looks like it will be an amazing Grand Prix and I can't wait to experience the city because I have been several times but only for brief visits. I usually adapt very quickly to new tracks thanks to the time I spent in karting and the team was strong in Valencia on a new circuit so I am feeling pretty good about this weekend. High-downforce tracks suit our car very well and after bad luck in Spa and Monza I am looking forward to returning to the points."
Timo Glock, Toyota
"Night racing is good fun and a great show for the fans. I competed in a night race at Las Vegas in 2005 when I was racing in the United States and that was a different experience, especially as it was on an oval. It is no problem driving at night generally because the lights make it seem more like daylight but it is a bit strange to be racing at a time when normally you are resting. I have actually already driven the TF108 at night, on a demo run in Valencia in January, but it will be a totally different experience this weekend. The venue in Singapore looks fantastic and I am really looking forward to this race because I believe we have a good chance to score more points. Things didn't work out for us in Monza, with the changing track conditions coming at just the wrong time for our strategy and the fight for fourth in the constructors' championship is very close now. We are really motivated to come out on top."
Pascal Vasselon, Toyotas senior general chassis manager
"We have experienced several new venues since 2004 and generally everything goes smoothly. We are used to handling the challenge of a new track so that doesn't worry us. Obviously we have studied the lay-out in Singapore and we have found similarities to other tracks which lead us to conclude it will be a high-downforce circuit. So we know which direction to go in terms of aerodynamic set-up. We have made one or two small tweaks to our aero package and we expect the TF108 to suit the characteristics of the Singapore track. One of the other things we looked at early on was braking severity - this is very important because if you have to make changes it takes time. There is no doubt that Singapore will be very demanding on brakes and we expect them to be working at very high temperatures. Everyone is very much looking forward to the race and we have high hopes."
Jenson Button, Honda
"For a flyaway race, it is always better to arrive as early as possible to acclimatise to the time zone, however for the night race in Singapore the situation is quite the opposite. I have spent some time on our simulator at the factory this week to familiarise myself as much as possible with the track layout before we get there. Then I plan to arrive into Singapore just prior to the start of the race weekend to give myself a better chance of ensuring that I don't become accustomed to the time zone. We will be operating to a European timeframe which will be tough as it means staying awake throughout the night and sleeping for practically the whole day before starting the engineering and running schedule from 1700. We have approached the race weekend timing very carefully for this race and will concentrate on getting our rest and nutrition right to ensure the body is ready to react in the right way when required. The first night race is very exciting for the sport and I can't wait to see what conditions the floodlighting will present. It's going to be quite a challenge but one that I'm really looking forward to."
Rubens Barrichello, Honda
"The Singapore circuit looks very different to the other new street circuit on the calendar this season at Valencia. Singapore is a much slower lap with many first and second gear corners, although the back straight down to Turn 7 looks exciting in terms of carrying speed through the barriers. I have driven the circuit on our simulator which gives you a good idea of how the lap will be laid out and the braking points, however it doesn't give you any projection of how it is going to be racing under the lights! From what we have been told about the lighting system, it's actually going to be brighter than daylight for the drivers. I've watched the Moto GP race at Qatar and it doesn't look like it took place at night at all as the track is so bright. I race in 12 hour go-kart races every year and I actually did a 24 hour sportscar endurance race at Interlagos in 1994 where we practiced a lot in night conditions so I have some idea of the conditions. I was very surprised at how well the Valencia Street Circuit was set up for the first race there last month, so I expect Singapore will be of the same standard and I'm really looking forward to the challenge."
Ross Brawn, Honda team principal
"The first Formula One night race, and of course a brand new circuit, presents a number of unique and exciting challenges for the team and we have greatly enjoyed working on these. First and foremost, it will be the first time that a Formula One race has been run under lights. We have done a great deal of research into this, particularly at the Moto GP race earlier this year, and our Sporting Director visited the Singapore track for the lighting test and was very impressed with the facilities. Talking to our Test and Reserve Driver Alex Wurz about his experience of the Le Mans 24-Hour Race has also been invaluable.
"The weather will be a key factor in the weekend. It will be hot, wet and very humid and local statistics tell us that there is a 50 percent chance of rain on any given day in September. These are difficult conditions to work in for both the team and the drivers; however it could lead to some very exciting on-track moments on a circuit which is lined with barriers.
"To prepare for the new track, both our drivers have been working on the simulator at our Brackley headquarters which assists with learning the track layout, gears and downforce levels. The circuit itself is tight, twisty and very narrow in places and it will be even slower than Monaco, with all of Monaco's traditional challenges. It will be a tough circuit for keeping the brakes cool and managing the engine, even more so in the high temperatures that we are expecting. With regards to aerodynamics, we will run the highest levels of wing of the season on the RA108 to give as much downforce as possible. The tyres are the soft and super-soft compounds, the same specification as Monaco, and the unique challenge here is that the track temperatures will be more or less the same as the air temperatures and likely to fall as the evening progresses."
Fernando Alonso, Renault
I'm curious to see what it's like when we get there; what the circuit layout is like; what the level of lighting will be and the visibility. It's a very unusual weekend from a sporting perspective and also in terms of the management of the Grand Prix weekend and I'm really curious to see what it will be like.
In terms of physical preparation, I have to admit that I have done nothing special for this race. I have prepared just as I would for any other race. On the other hand, I have worked with my physiotherapist and other members of the team to decide the best way to manage the race weekend, especially in terms of sleep. In the end I've decided not to adjust to the local time zone and to remain on a European schedule, which will be best for my energy levels. Getting this right is an important element for the race, both for the drivers and members of the team.
Nelson Piquet, Renault
I'm definitely looking forward to it. I have had to learn lots of circuits this year so it's not something that worries me, and like Valencia the track in Singapore will be a new challenge for all the drivers and won't be such a disadvantage for a rookie. I'm not worried about driving at night as I know that the organisers have made great efforts to ensure the level of visibility will be as good as if we were racing in the day. So I'm really eager to see what it's like when we get there and see Singapore in race configuration.
I have done some planning with my physiotherapist to make sure that my body clock does not adjust to Singapore time. So I will have clearly defined hours of sleep, some techniques aimed at reducing the impact of daylight on my body, and a different meal regime with a large breakfast followed by several light meals. These are some of the things that I will be doing to be in the best shape possible.
Considering that we haven't driven the track, it's difficult for me to say if it's a track that is likely to suit me. So to say what I can aim for is difficult. However, I certainly want to have a better qualifying session because I know this is essential for having a successful Grand Prix, especially on a street circuit.
Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren
"The Race of Champions was in the evening, in the stadium with the lights, but the races werent long or serious so its going to be all new. It will be interesting to see how it feels; how its different, whether its good or bad. Coming from Finland where we have 24 hours of darkness in the winter, I dont think I will have any problems, I am used to that! The circuit looks fantastic, there seem to be a few overtaking opportunities, so hopefully it will be a good race. Races in cities always have a great atmosphere, so I am looking forward to it.
"The main thing to consider is that we remain sharp at a later time in the day. We need to keep the rhythm correct and sleep well. This is all taken care of by the team, but its still a big challenge. The team is taking every measure possible to ensure the timings of the weekend have no impact on our performance, to make sure we are physically ready. For example, the hotel rooms will be blacked out so we can sleep late into the day, special arrangements will be put in place to make sure the cleaners dont come into the room, as they would not expect people to be sleeping until early afternoon. The telephones will not ring, all those kind of things. We will essentially be isolated from the normal workings of the hotel. It is a much more demanding task to make sure you dont switch to the local time, because your body automatically wants to change, external factors such as light, temperature, humidity are all encouraging it. As with any flyaway race, the process will start from when we land in Singapore, we will stay up until early morning on the day we land."
Lewis Hamilton, McLaren
"Im looking forward to visiting the country, trying the food, seeing what the track is like, seeing what it will be like to race on. It is going to be an exciting weekend. The race will be quite a fun challenge, and I like a challenge! Ive never raced at night before, but I dont think it is going to be a problem. It doesnt seem to be a problem in other sports and there have been huge preparations for this, so I think it will be great. We are racing on another street circuit, which are a particular favourite of mine. From what I understand it is wide and fairly flowing in nature, which is not what you usually expect from a street circuit, but it sounds like it will be pretty spectacular.
"Singapore is going to be a unique challenge for every member of the team. Our doctor has prepared a very precise schedule for the drivers to stick to because all the sessions are so late in the day. Essentially we must not acclimatise to the local time, which is totally different to how we normally operate. Our training programmes ensure that over a race weekend we are at peak performance during the afternoons and as a result we are going to be staying in European time so this doesnt get disrupted. Apparently not acclimatising is much harder than adapting, because your body naturally wants to change. For the drivers, our meal, waking and sleeping rhythms will all be in European time, for example we will get up early afternoon for breakfast, have supper at 1am and go to bed at around 3am. It will be very different preparation to any other race but well try and do the best job we can."
Martin Whitmarsh, McLaren Formula One CEO
"Inevitably, ensuring all the team personnel have the opportunity to get enough sleep will be the main (logistical) challenge over the course of the weekend. For example, the mechanics wont be going to bed until 4 - 5am, because we finish running late in the evening and there is a programme of work to complete prior to the next day. There is a clear plan, because we know the timings of the sessions and how much work needs to take place after each of the sessions. The reality is, it will be hard work for the mechanics, engineers, support crew, marketing operation and we will take measures to support this, but I dont believe it will have a massive impact on the cars and the drivers, with the programme for Lewis and Heikki being very carefully planned and monitored.
"Ordinarily, the garage is lit for work at night anyway so that wont be a new phenomenon. There will be some functional lighting on the pitwall which we dont currently have, that will be the only addition. In the car the cockpit display is illuminated so that wont be a problem, and there is an assumption that there will be sufficient ambient luminosity that you can see knobs and buttons in a way you ordinarily could. We are going with a variety of visors with high-contrast, different colourations, as with artificial light you will not have natural shadow and depth perception can be reduced. However, we are expecting the quality of light is so good that we wouldnt have to do anything, the purpose of floodlighting is to be operating as though it was daylight.
"There is the potential for the temperature to drop, but I suspect it will still be warmer at 21:00 in Singapore than during Friday practice at Monza! We expect the ambient will be around 30 degrees centigrade, the track temperature will cool down for the evening but will still be close to 40 degrees centigrade, unless there is rain. If it rains, there is the unknown of whether there will be a problem with glare or the sparkle of light from droplets of rain that is greater than you would ordinarily get. To manage this potential, we are using coatings for the visors that wont allow droplets to collect."
Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
"The Singapore Grand Prix will be the fifth street race on the calendar after Melbourne, Monte Carlo, Montreal and Valencia and the first ever Grand Prix be held at night. Foremost, we look forward to the atmosphere of this first night race. About 1,500 extremely powerful light projectors have been installed four metres apart around the about five-kilometre long track, and they are said to illuminate the track brightly. In this unusual environment, the drivers have to focus on 23 corners per lap, six of them with speeds lower than 100 km/h. Once per lap, on the 700-metre full-throttle part along the Raffles Boulevard, the cars reach almost 300 km/h. This premiere will certainly be the most exciting in Formula One history -in the middle of the night, in the middle of the metropolis."
Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber
"Everyone is really looking forward to the Singapore Grand Prix. Firstly because it's a new track, secondly because it's a street circuit and thirdly, of course, because we'll be driving at night. The floodlights should ensure it is actually as bright as during the day, but nobody has yet experienced how these light conditions will feel at Formula One speeds. I would have welcomed the chance to test on the track, especially in the rain. Rain combined with the artificial light is the great unknown for me with this race. The climate should be similar to that in nearby Kuala Lumpur, and - from experience - it rains frequently there, especially in the early evening.
"In principle, I think it's a great idea to hold a race at night. I'm more of a night person - I like to go to bed late, but am not a great early-riser. For that reason, the rhythm of this weekend should suit me. It's a question of adjustment. It's important to eat and sleep at the right times in order to ensure you're really on the button when you need to be. I doubt we'll have much free time, but as the race is taking place in the middle of the city I imagine we'll be able to absorb a fair amount and sense the atmosphere. I've never been to Singapore, apart from sitting in the airport, and am expecting it to be a vibrant and interesting Asian metropolis."
Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber
"I am looking forward to Singapore, as the grand prix will be the second new race of the season. Racing on new tracks is always interesting - I enjoy it very much and I am very excited. Beyond that, I am extremely happy to race on another street circuit as I am a big fan of street circuits. Lots of people consider it interesting that the race will start at night. But from a driver's perspective I think it does not make a big difference whether we race in the daylight or at night. There are still some question-marks regarding weather conditions and - related to the chance of rain - the light situation. I am sure the FIA have done everything to make it a safe race."
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
"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.
Willy Rampf, BMW Sauber technical director
"From the spectators' point of view, the Singapore Grand Prix - the first night race in the history of Formula One - will be a highlight in the truest sense of the word. The circuit has a large number of 90-degree corners in the 100 km/h speed band, which means that traction will take top priority. The downforce level is high, comparable to Monaco. As things stand, the biggest unknown is the track surface. Its lack of exposure to the sun is a factor that should not be underestimated, as the asphalt temperatures will be lower than at other races in this part of the world. That is something we'll need to take into account with the car set-up.
"Because this is a new circuit for all of us, we'll be relying one hundred percent on our simulation, which has proved to be very good in the past. The unusual working times will certainly demand a fair amount of all involved, but will also be an interesting experience. In Jerez we tested several new aerodynamic components which we'll be using in Singapore. I'm confident that we'll be able to continue our positive recent run of results and am looking forward to this new challenge."
Hirohide Hamashima, Bridgestone Director of Motorsport Tyre Development
"The layout looks challenging and we have not seen any races on the circuit so teams will be relying solely on their simulations before cars take to the track. As with any street course, we expect finding grip to be the focus for many and the grip level to change over the weekend. The circuit layout looks interesting and this will be a very exciting, unique race track.
"We have looked at many different aspects regarding a race taking place at night and we have no specific concerns. Bridgestone have good experience in endurance motor races which run at night so this has been useful. The temperatures will be cooler than during the day and there will be no heat generated from the sun's radiation, but we predict an ambient and track temperature of around 27 degrees Celsius, which is warmer than some tracks we visit during the day. Ultimately, the way the tyre works at night will be the same as it works during the day."
More to follow.