Robert Kubica believes racing at night will prove no more challenging than any other race of the season as he looks to keep his title hopes alive at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend.
The BMW Sauber driver is currently third in the drivers' standings with 64 points, 14 behind leader Lewis Hamilton.
Kubica's only victory this season came at the Canadian Grand Prix but he is confident of a good performance this weekend having finished on the podium in two of the last three races.
The 23-year-old has also performed well on street circuits this year, finishing second and third in Monaco and Valencia respectively.
"I am looking forward to Singapore, as the grand prix will be the second new race of the season," said Kubica.
"Racing on new tracks is always interesting - I enjoy it very much and I am very excited.
"Beyond that, I am extremely happy to race on another street circuit as I am a big fan of street circuits.
"Lots of people consider it interesting that the race will start at night. But from a driver's perspective, I think it does not make a big difference whether we race in the daylight or at night."
The weather also looks set to be a factor this weekend after rain hit Singapore on Wednesday, heightening concerns it could affect drivers' visibility. But Kubica has every confidence in the FIA to ensure the race is as safe as possible.
"There are still some question marks regarding weather conditions and - related to the chance of rain - the light situation," he added.
"I am sure the FIA have done everything to make it a safe race."
BMW Sauber boss Mario Theissen believes the Singapore Grand Prix will become the highlight event of the season.
The Marina Bay street circuit is the second unknown quantity on the calendar this year after Valencia but, with the added draw of the race being staged at night, Thessien is confident it will be the most exciting yet.
"In Singapore the action will also be taking place at night - and that in an Asian metropolis and against an amazing backdrop. This will give the event even more appeal and excitement," he said.
"You only need to think of the special atmosphere you get at a football match under floodlights: the surroundings melt into the background, the action itself takes centre stage.
"I'm expecting this premiere in Singapore to be the highlight of the season."
No comments:
Post a Comment