Ron Dennis has given the stunning new Singapore street circuit a firm seal of approval.
The Singapore Grand Prix has been on the cards for almost twenty years, but it was only recently decided that it would also become the first ever night race after Bernie Ecclestone successfully pitched the idea to the team bosses and race director Charlie Whiting.
“Along with everyone at McLaren Mercedes, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Singaporean government, and to Bernie Ecclestone, and to everyone else who has made this event possible,” said Dennis after opening practice.
“It’s a fantastic circuit, and the added attraction of racing under floodlights has been very well achieved,” added the McLaren Team Principal.
“It feels a little strange to be at the circuit so late, well past midnight in fact, but overall I would describe the advent of night-time grand prix racing as an excellent new development in the ongoing history of Formula 1.”
The cars ran in anger around the sweeping Marina Bay street circuit for the first time on Friday under the illumination of some 1,600 light projectors, and the breathtaking backdrop of Singapore’s night sky.
“Atmospherically probably the best pictures ever seen in Formula 1,” commented Ron Dennis’ opposite number at Mercedes-Benz, Norbert Haug.
“Here the World Championship does in my view a step forward and interested viewers from all over the world will recognise it in the international television broadcasts.”
“On the track our first day was okay with good laptimes during our planned Friday programme. Compliments to the organisers, the FOM and Bernie for making this remarkable event happen.”
