+ Click to Enlarge TAKING IT TO THE THE STREETS: A model of Singapore's proposed Marina Bay F1 circuit.

October 18, 2007

Sao Paulo, Brazil - Singapore is pushing ahead with plans to host Formula 1's first night race in 2008.

Local promoter Singapore GP Ltd has signed a letter of intent with Italian company Valerio Maioli to design and construct the lighting system after two tests in July and September at Le Castellet circuit in southern France.

The proposed system was presented to the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) in Paris on October 10. The plans envisage installing nearly 1500 lighting projectors, powered by 12 twin-power generators, around the Singapore circuit.

The promoter said: "An average of about 3000lux is required to illuminate the circuit, which is enough to meet high-definition television broadcast standards.

"The track will be almost four times brighter than a typical stadium."

It said the lights would be transported to Singapore in early January, 2008, for testing in an environment similar to what would be expected on race day.

The Singapore GP is scheduled for September 28 on public roads around the Marina Bay area, making it F1's first street race in Asia.

The promoter said: "Valerio Maioli estimates that the set-up will take two to three months; the system should be ready in the second quarter of 2008.

The FIA gave the go-ahead in September, 2007 for construction of the planned 5.067km Singapore circuit after the city state agreed a five-year deal for the race in May. – Reuters