F1 drivers worried about rain under Singapore lights

F1 drivers have admitted they are concerned about the prospect of rain under the Singapore lights this weekend.

During the first two editions of the sport’s first night event in 2008 and 2009, wet weather did not fall on the city street circuit.

“I’ve never driven in the rain at night,” said F1’s most experienced driver Rubens Barrichello in the Asian city-state.

“I really don’t know what to say about that.  We just have to wait and see,” added the Brazilian.

The worries are that the bright overhead lights will reflect off the wet surface of the track, and perhaps even the rain droplets themselves.

There was a huge downpour in the Marina Bay area on Wednesday, and on Thursday another severe storm rolled in.

“It (Wednesday’s rain) was so heavy that rivers of water flooded the track to a point where the tyres can’t deal with it,” said Sir Jackie Stewart.

“In daylight, we can see beyond the track if we’re heading into rain.  But here, the light is contained on the circuit and everything else is dark.

“So it’ll be very challenging on the drivers’ peripheral vision,” added the triple world champion.

Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel commented: “We’ve yet to experience any wet running on a floodlit track, so it will be interesting if that happens.”

Nico Rosberg admitted he is “definitely worried” about the weekend’s weather forecast.

“It’s going to be rather interesting if it rains, but I hope it doesn’t because it will be quite messy,” said the German.

© RIF | GMM