Honda preview the Singapore GP

RUBENS BARRICHELLO

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Tuesday 23rd September 2008

Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello don't quite know what to expect at this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix under lights.

Jenson Button: "For a flyaway race, it is always better to arrive as early as possible to acclimatise to the time zone, however for the night race in Singapore the situation is quite the opposite. I have spent some time on our simulator at the factory this week to familiarise myself as much as possible with the track layout before we get there. Then I plan to arrive into Singapore just prior to the start of the race weekend to give myself a better chance of ensuring that I don't become accustomed to the time zone.

"We will be operating to a European timeframe which will be tough as it means staying awake throughout the night and sleeping for practically the whole day before starting the engineering and running schedule from 1700. We have approached the race weekend timing very carefully for this race and will concentrate on getting our rest and nutrition right to ensure the body is ready to react in the right way when required. The first night race is very exciting for the sport and I can't wait to see what conditions the floodlighting will present. It's going to be quite a challenge but one that I'm really looking forward to."

Rubens Barrichello: "The Singapore circuit looks very different to the other new street circuit on the calendar this season at Valencia. Singapore is a much slower lap with many first and second gear corners, although the back straight down to Turn 7 looks exciting in terms of carrying speed through the barriers. I have driven the circuit on our simulator which gives you a good idea of how the lap will be laid out and the braking points, however it doesn't give you any projection of how it is going to be racing under the lights! From what we have been told about the lighting system, it's actually going to be brighter than daylight for the drivers.

"I've watched the Moto GP race at Qatar and it doesn't look like it took place at night at all as the track is so bright. I race in 12 hour go-kart races every year and I actually did a 24 hour sportscar endurance race at Interlagos in 1994 where we practiced a lot in night conditions so I have some idea of the conditions. I was very surprised at how well the Valencia Street Circuit was set up for the first race there last month, so I expect Singapore will be of the same standard and I'm really looking forward to the challenge."