Singapore: Weekend weather forecast

Formula One heads to Singapore this weekend, to the notoriously tropical climate of the Asian city. Heavy rain is part of life in this part of the world, especially at night, and although official figures for rain this weekend stand between 40% and 60%, it's widely regarded throughout the paddock that the wet weather tires will have to be used at some stage during the weekend.

The action begins tomorrow with first practice at 19.00, with isolated thunderstorms forecast for the area. With the chance of rain currently standing at 35% for practice, it's a possibility that things will start out dry. Temperatures, as expected, will be high, despite the night running, with highest temperatures of 29°C expected during the practice sessions, approximately 10°C higher than those experienced in Monza a fortnight ago.

Moving to Saturday, rain and isolated thunderstorms remain a possibility throughout the day, with a 40% chance of rain during the day. A similar likelihood of rain has been predicted for the evening, with temperatures again staying in the high twenties, with a high of 30°C from when final practice begins at 19.00.

Finally to Sunday, when similar conditions are again expected. Heavy rain is a possibility throughout the day, with another 40% chance of rain during the race. Temperatures will hit a high of 28°C at the race start time of 20.00, but it's the relative humidity that will worry the drivers. Physical fitness will play a pivotal role in the race's outcome, with such a demanding course, high temperatures and high humidity expected to separate the men from the boys. Add to this the challenge of racing at night for the first time, and the drivers will have a lot on their plate this weekend.

The action begins tomorrow at 19.00 local time, 11.00 GMT, with the first practice session. The second one followed at 21.30 (13.30 GMT), with the final practice scheduled to take place at 19.00 on Saturday evening. Qualifying will begin at 22.00, while Sunday's first ever night race will begin at 20.00, just over an hour after sunset, with a regular European start-time of 12.00 GMT.