Singapore Grand Prix on alert over haze threat
Since the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix in 2008, drivers have been routinely quizzed about how they would cope with a tropical downpour during the only Formula One race held entirely under floodlights.
After seven years of bone dry races, the answer still remains a mystery, but a different hazard could possibly threaten this year's race, scheduled for September 20.
Singapore's skyline clouded by the haze
A dense cloud of haze has been hanging over the city-state of Singapore for the past week, a result of farmers in neighbouring Sumatra (Indonesia) burning forests to clear their land for agriculture.
An annual occurrence, the smog is currently rated under the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) as being in the mid to low range of "unhealthy" air quality, but race organizers are monitoring the situation in case it worsens and effects driver visibility.
Deforestation in Riau province, Sumatra, to make way for an oil palm plantation
Said a Singapore GP spokesperson,
"The possibility of haze is just one of the many potential issues that are covered in the overall …Contingency Plan. In the event that the haze caused visibility, public health or operational issues Singapore GP would work closely with the relevant agencies before making any collective decisions regarding the event."
Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore, the only street circuit of Asia taking part in Formula 1
A number of local sports events in Singapore were cancelled this weekend because of health risks and the Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) said that the PSI levels were likely to remain in the "unhealthy" range for the next week, as the prevailing winds continued to blow in haze from Sumatra.
Lewis Hamilton during the drivers' parade at the 2012 US Grand Prix
The Singapore Grand Prix is the 13th race of the season and defending world champion and last year's winner Lewis Hamilton will be a strong favourite to extend his championship lead, currently 53 points, with an eighth victory of the campaign.
(All images - credit: Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons licence)
