30/03/2008
NEWS STORY
Two-time World Champion Mika Hakkinen has said that though the forthcoming night race in Singapore will pose a unique challenge to drivers, any fears they have can be allayed by proper organisation and preparation.
Speaking after a successful trial of the lighting system in Singapore this weekend, when sixteen light projectors and numerous 'digiflags' were set up along a stretch of road in the city-state, Hakkinen said that such trials, though expensive and difficult to organize, should allay drivers fears and thereby rule out the need for dedicated F1 tests ahead of the September event.
"If the lighting system and all the organisation here in Singapore is at a top level I don't think testing is necessary," said the Finn, according to Reuters.
"When driving at night your body is in night mode, so all your reactions are not as sharp as in the daytime, because your body should be sleeping," he added, referring to the fact that driving at night poses unique problems for drivers.
Asked how he felt about the removal of drivers aids, the Finn admitted that the move had made racing more demanding.
"For the driver, continuous wheelspin would definitely be bringing more out of drivers' skills," he said.