FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

[EwanM]

We seen the first wet race of the season, which I think we can all agree was eventful.
What troubles me if we ever experienced similar or worse conditions at the night race this year in Singapore. I mean driving in the wet is bad, but driving in the wet in dark conditions doesnt sound that safe?
What about low cloud cover, that would affect the lighting surely?

[Rivelution]

I dont think it will matter because the track will be lit since its in the city.

[onelapdown]

I don't think they'd race in thick fog, but low cloud would probably reflect MORE light onto the track, not less.

Anyway, is this F1 or are we turning into the kind of wimps that go round in circles in the States?

[Selcouth_Feline]

It's not racing in the dark really. They have huge lights which output around 3,000 lux per light therefore the circuit itself will be lit, although I don't believe it will have the same light as it would do in daylight. And so low cloud cover isn't really a factor.

[EwanM]

Yeah, ok fair points cant really argue with the facts. I wonder if we'll get rain this year

[Hanwombat]

I wouldn't worry. As its been said, it may be a night but the track will be completely lit up, they won't have any visual problems

[Rivelution]

They will also be using electronic flag displays.

[darwin dali]

I beg to differ re. light conditions being no problem, especially in rain. Have you ever driven in rain at night??? Visibility is crap, reflections from oncoming traffic on your windshield are horrendous. The F1 driver's helmet visors will be like the windshield in your car with rain drops acting as tiny magnifying glasses. The track itself being wet will reflect the lights as well. Granted you (normally) don't have oncoming traffic in F1 and none with headlights, but the 3000 lux lights around the track could very well become a problem if it rains.

[EwanM]

I beg to differ re. light conditions being no problem, especially in rain. Have you ever driven in rain at night??? Visibility is crap, reflections from oncoming traffic on your windshield are horrendous. The F1 driver's helmet visors will be like the windshield in your car with rain drops acting as tiny magnifying glasses. The track itself being wet will reflect the lights as well. Granted you (normally) don't have oncoming traffic in F1 and none with headlights, but the 3000 lux lights around the track could very well become a problem if it rains.

Yeah I thought that too, but im too tired to argue.

[bud]

I beg to differ re. light conditions being no problem, especially in rain. Have you ever driven in rain at night??? Visibility is crap, reflections from oncoming traffic on your windshield are horrendous. The F1 driver's helmet visors will be like the windshield in your car with rain drops acting as tiny magnifying glasses. The track itself being wet will reflect the lights as well. Granted you (normally) don't have oncoming traffic in F1 and none with headlights, but the 3000 lux lights around the track could very well become a problem if it rains.

yes the glare from the lights will be multiplied in the wet, it will be one shiny big wall of water

[al4x]

I beg to differ re. light conditions being no problem, especially in rain. Have you ever driven in rain at night??? Visibility is crap, reflections from oncoming traffic on your windshield are horrendous. The F1 driver's helmet visors will be like the windshield in your car with rain drops acting as tiny magnifying glasses. The track itself being wet will reflect the lights as well. Granted you (normally) don't have oncoming traffic in F1 and none with headlights, but the 3000 lux lights around the track could very well become a problem if it rains.

yes the glare from the lights will be multiplied in the wet, it will be one shiny big wall of water

theyd need lots of smaller ambient lights, i wonder what its go nna look like

[juggles]

I beg to differ re. light conditions being no problem, especially in rain. Have you ever driven in rain at night??? Visibility is crap, reflections from oncoming traffic on your windshield are horrendous. The F1 driver's helmet visors will be like the windshield in your car with rain drops acting as tiny magnifying glasses. The track itself being wet will reflect the lights as well. Granted you (normally) don't have oncoming traffic in F1 and none with headlights, but the 3000 lux lights around the track could very well become a problem if it rains.

yes the glare from the lights will be multiplied in the wet, it will be one shiny big wall of water

sounds pretty...

but point taken, it could be a bit of a hazard, especially because it won't be a familiar track to any of the drivers

[phren]

I'm not looking forward to Singapore, I get this feeling of dread.
Here in Auckland we have a number of tunnels and overpasses which all cause immiediate and scary changes in light conditions (think Monaco). Very difficult to judge corners and breaking speeds (even more so on a motorbike I can tell you). I think that with artificial lights there are going to be similar light and dark passages on the track, glare then gloom. And this will happen all around a track that is basicaly thrown together the week before. Add in the possibility of rain (and when it rains in Singapore it RAINS) and we have the potential for a disaster. Will be very relieved if Singapore happens without a major incident but I think Bernie is putting bread and circusus before the safety of the drivers.

[EwanM]

I'm not looking forward to Singapore, I get this feeling of dread.
Here in Auckland we have a number of tunnels and overpasses which all cause immiediate and scary changes in light conditions (think Monaco). Very difficult to judge corners and breaking speeds (even more so on a motorbike I can tell you). I think that with artificial lights there are going to be similar light and dark passages on the track, glare then gloom. And this will happen all around a track that is basicaly thrown together the week before. Add in the possibility of rain (and when it rains in Singapore it RAINS) and we have the potential for a disaster. Will be very relieved if Singapore happens without a major incident but I think Bernie is putting bread and circusus before the safety of the drivers.

I agree, I mean Qatar Moto night race was one thing. Mainly it was out in the open, no shadows or anything, just open dessert. But like I dno, think this may not work out.

Besides im all for sinagpore as a one off, but if they start making all races Night races unless they in Europe... it'll suck!