The weather looks set to pose an additional challenge at Formula One's first night race with forecasters predicting a good chance of rain ahead of this weekend's inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.
Drivers and teams already have to contend with the difficulties of trying to acclimatise to the time difference, with many opting to remain on European time in order to stay fresh for the late finishes ahead.
Formula One's governing body the FIA conducted a night test on the Indianapolis circuit in the United States last year, stressing they would only sanction a night race if it was completing safe.
However, a heavy downpour broke over Singapore this morning, prompting concerns it could extend through to the weekend and affect visibility and performance on the street circuit.
Martin Whitmarsh, the chief executive of British-based McLaren, said: "If it rains, there is the unknown of whether there will be a problem with glare or the sparkle of light from droplets of rain that is greater than you would ordinarily get.
"To manage this potential, we are using coatings for the visors that won't allow droplets to collect."
Despite the visor precautions, drivers will still have to contend with the potential problem of glare and reflections from water collecting on the circuit itself.
And although no-one can be exactly sure how that might affect performance, teams have been putting in the hours on the simulator to ensure they are as prepared as possible.
"There is a strong possibility of rain during the evening, which is normal in such a humid climate," said Williams technical director Sam Michael.
"At this stage, a likely strategy scenario is unknown although we have some data from our work on the simulator, we will have to wait until we get circuit data for tyre degradation and pit lane loss time."
Honda team principle Ross Brawn is also wary of the potential challenges the addition of wet weather could pose but is confident it will only add to the excitement of the race.
"The weather will be a key factor in the weekend," he said.
"It will be hot, wet and very humid and local statistics tell us that there is a 50% chance of rain on any given day in September.
"These are difficult conditions to work in for both the team and the drivers; however it could lead to some very exciting on-track moments on a circuit which is lined with barriers."
Championship leader Lewis Hamilton goes into the race with a one-point lead over Ferrari driver Felipe Massa after losing his appeal yesterday against his Belgian Grand Prix penalty.
Despite finishing seventh in Monza earlier this month, the 23-year-old usually impresses in the wet conditions having won at Silverstone and Monaco this year.
And Hamilton admits he is looking forward the challenge the race will present.
"I've never raced at night before, but I don't think it is going to be a problem," said Hamilton.
"It doesn't seem to be a problem in other sports and there have been huge preparations for this, so I think it will be great.
"We are racing on another street circuit, which are a particular favourite of mine and from what I understand it is wide and fairly flowing in nature, which is not what you usually expect from a street circuit.
"It sounds like it will be pretty spectacular."
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