SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS (Belgium) - THIS year’s Formula One world championship season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, the first to be held there on Nov 1, will be the first day-night Grand Prix, it was confirmed on Friday.
The race will start at 1700 local time (1300 GMT, 9pm Singapore time) on the Yas Marina circuit, the Abu Dhabi circuit’s boss Richard Cregan said.
He said: ‘Yas Marina Circuit has been built from the outset to host day and night-time activities.
‘Staging Formula One’s first day-night race offers us a unique opportunity to demonstrate the circuit’s in-built flexibility and state-of-the-art facilities.
‘It has always been our intention to showcase to the world this spectacular venue and this decision allows just that opportunity.
‘It is the best of both worlds, spectators and television viewers will see the stunning architecture of the world’s newest Formula One circuit during the afternoon sunlight and then experience what it is like under floodlights.
‘We hope that everyone will be impressed by what they experience and see.’ The sun will set at 17:43 on race day which signals a race that will begin in sunlight and end in the dark, under floodlights - a thrilling prospect for the circuit’s maiden appearance on the calendar and for a possible championship-decider.
The organisers have said that the floodlights used to illuminate the circuit will be switched on from the start of the event to ensure there is a seamless transition from daylight to darkness. — AFP