A change in the organization of the Singapore GP?

The working group in charge of the matter and the FIA have been invited to make changes at the global organization level of the Singapore Grand Prix. Concerns raised by the drivers regarding the lack of training in nighttime conditions are the reason.

Formula 1 will experience for the first time in its history a night race on the streets of Singapore next September, but many teams and drivers have expressed a feeling of apprehension as the event approaches.

The team manager of Scuderia Toro Rosso, Massimo Rivola, expressed being troubled by the situation after one of his visits to Qatar earlier this month, where the first night race of Moto GP was taking place.

He seems particularly concerned about the lack of preparation of the drivers and teams just a few months before this Grand Prix. Indeed, the idea of night testing in Europe did not come to fruition due to the costs it involved.

For the moment, only 90 minutes of testing in race conditions are planned. It will be on Friday evening before the qualifying session which will take place during the day, followed by the race under the starry sky of Singapore!

Rivola has already spoken about his concerns regarding the situation to F1 race director Charlie Whiting.

« I requested that this issue be added to the agenda of the next Sporting Working Group (SWG) meeting, » commented Rivola regarding the first night race.

At first, I wasn’t very worried, but after seeing the Moto GP example in Qatar, I am now more convinced 100%. I’m speaking at the level of the safety of our riders because I’m not worried about having to work all night.

According to him, the problems could be caused by shadows on the track, by a lack of visibility, or by the cameras placed all around the circuit, which are flashing.

He added: « Personally, I am not comfortable. I am sure that in the end, it will be a great experience, but there are still a few points we need to address. »