Abu Dhabi to be a day-night race

[emporer_k]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8226520.stm

The 1 November race will run under floodlights, starting at 1700 local time (1300 GMT), when it will still be light, and ending in the dark.

The sun is due to set at about 1745 local time in the United Arab Emirate.

It's being moved for the benefit of tv audiences, because of corse we are all fast asleep at 11am but up and about by 1pm.

[woody2goody]

Sounds good though, especially if the surrounding area is as nice as they say it is.

A twilight race will be a good way to finish the season

[ioan]

Sounds good though, especially if the surrounding area is as nice as they say it is.

Sure it is, water and sand! What more could you wish for?!

[UltimateDanGTR]

so they decide to have a race, where part of it will be in twilight, after drivers complained in australia about visibility problems due to the low sun when the race was held in twilight hour? typical of the people in charge of F1, who gives a t*ss about the drivers? the organizers clearly dont.

little regard for the drivers over this.

hopefully, it will be less of a problem than in australia, but i cant really see how. however finishing the season at night will be pretty cool, and a good spectacle.

[ioan]

so they decide to have a race, where part of it will be in twilight, after drivers complained in australia about visibility problems due to the low sun when the race was held in twilight hour? typical of the people in charge of F1, who gives a t*ss about the drivers? the organizers clearly dont.

little regard for the drivers over this.

hopefully, it will be less of a problem than in australia, but i cant really see how. however finishing the season at night will be pretty cool, and a good spectacle.

Bernie never gives a toss about the drivers, but the drivers should tell him to go F himself as they will not race in such conditions, it's as simple as that.

[jimakos]

Bernie never gives a toss about the drivers, but the drivers should tell him to go F himself as they will not race in such conditions, it's as simple as that.

Agree.Nobody can drive in so high level conditions at night...

[schmenke]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/8226520.stm




It's being moved for the benefit of tv audiences, because of corse we are all fast asleep at 11am but up and about by 1pm.

Who's "we"?

I'm not a big fan of night races, but at least I won't have to wake up at the crack of dawn

Besides, the time isn't moved for the benefit of the audiences, it's moved for the benefit of the sponsors.

[Sonic]

Can anyone say Gimmick?

The flood lights will be on from the start to ensure " a seemless transition from day to night", so what's the point?!

I can picture the pointless camera shots of the sunset now. Good grief!

[Firstgear]

What are typical temps there at that time of year?

It may be nicer (for fans attending the race) to be sitting in the stands/beach with a cooler evening breeze, instead of afternoon heat.

The cooling of the track temp as the sun sets may also add another interesting variable.

[truefan72]

don't like this idea whatsoever. I do think the circuit looks fantastic and it should be honored with a proper day race so its full glory can be experienced.

That Australia example was a debacle IMO.
It was nearly impossible for the drivers to do a proper job with the setting sun blinding them in some areas, and low light visibility in other spots. Drivers complained. Not to mention the cool track temperature causing havok with tyre temps.

one race like this a year is fine. but to have a second one now is a gimmick and a poor decision that affects the drivers and dismisses the rest of the global viewing market in favor. There are enough races that suit the european viewing schedule.Just leave these other ones be.