Bernie to reconsider Singapore night race

(GMM) Bernie Ecclestone and organizers of the Singapore grand prix are thought to be reconsidering plans for the race to be held at night.

Following widespread concerns in the paddock about the questionable safety of steering a 300kph F1 car through floodlit city streets, it is understood that F1 supremo Ecclestone may now be working on the concept of a race held in the late afternoon.

At 5pm local time, the timeslot would be better for the European audience but not require the massive investment into lighting infrastructure. The race would be finished before the sun goes down.

In comparison, today's Malaysian GP starts at 3pm.

Former triple world champion Niki Lauda in Malaysia expressed concern about the Asian night racing concept, but said he did not believe it would be unsafe.

"The only argument I would give is that will the spectators pay for tickets to come and stand around all night?

"In the end, it is still a commercial decision. To attract people to come during the day is easier than in the middle of the night," said the Austrian.