Singapore Grand Prix is just around the corner and preparations are in full flow with drivers and organizers getting into the groove.
The Singapore leg of the Formula One Championship requires drivers to cover 61 laps on a 3.1 mile-long Marina Bay track. The weather conditions, with a spike in humidity, also make things tough for the drivers.
It is the only race that is conducted during the night. This year, Pirelli's P Zero Yellow soft tyres and P Zero Red supersoft will be used at the circuit.
Because this race happens during the night, the track temperature tends to fall making matters difficult for the drivers, not to speak of the constant humidity which is expected to be above 75 percent throughout the weekend.
A major reason for hosting the race at night is the fact that it takes into account the broadcasters, which follow the European time-schedule. Unfortunately for the drivers and crew who travel across the world for this race, things go topsy-turvy. Often, the drivers and the crew need to follow odd routines. Going to bed at 5 a.m., waking up at lunchtime and then starting work at 2 p.m.
An odd timing schedule, coupled with hard weather conditions and of course a tough track to compete on - the Singapore Grand Prix puts up a major challenge for all involved in the racing business, not just the drivers. For the record, the Marina Bay track is one of the most difficult tracks in the world with second highest number of corners - 23 in all, second only to Valencia.
The track and the timing of the race puts undue pressure on the drivers' senses. The track lights, heat and sound have a unique effect on their nerves that are already fraught with the effect of the G-force coming into play.
Not to speak of the fact that Marina Bay is a high downforce track with several tight turns forcing the drivers to go as slow as 60-70 m.p.h on the turns. With low pressure on turns the drivers are forced to compensate for the speed on straight stretches, which too are limited. The constant manoeuvrings, coupled with high temperatures takes a toll on the brakes, with Red Bull's Australian driver Mark Webber suffering a failure in 2009.
No wonder the Singapore GP brings out the best in the drivers.
