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The world`s first Formula 1 night race in September will be held on an anti-clockwise street circuit of public roads around the famous Marina Bay area in Singapore, on 28th of September 2008.
Positioned as the “Monaco of the East”, there is a big difference between Singapore and Monaco, which is also a street circuit. Singapore’s tracks are much wider and faster, with its narrowest areas equivalent to Monaco’s widest parts.
To ensure the safety of drivers, marshals, and spectators during the night race, state-of-the-art lighting, which is four times brighter than those at sports stadiums would be installed along the 5.067km track, with the help of 108,423m of power cables.
The track will have 24 turns, consisting of 14 left hand turns and 10 right hand turns, will be the first Formula 1 street race in Asia and will bost a floating part. The track also offers three turns where the drivers will get overtaking opportunities. The maximum speed a driver can zoom across the circuit will be in excess of 300 kph.
The practice race sessions along the track will start from September 26 and the qualifying session will be on September 27. The main 2008 Formula One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix will be held on September 28 and there will be an estimated 90,000 spectators.
Indonesia's industrial island of Batam is predicted to earn revenues from global Formula 1 enthusiasts who cannot get hotel rooms in Singapore. Batam, located just 20km from the state city, may reap 20 million U.S. dollars in foreign exchange revenues from F1 spectators who choose to stay on the island before the race, as hotels in Singapore are likely unable to accommodate them all.
An estimate of 13,000 people will be forced to seek hotels outside Singapore, including Batam and Malaysia's Johor.
by Vicky Karantzavelou
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