Published April 4, 2009

Finding greener ways to light up the F1 circuit

Italian firm plans to set up centre here to test new sources to power the track lights

By NISHA RAMCHANDANI

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THE man who lit up Singapore's Formula One Grand Prix is working on another bright idea.

AS GOOD AS DAYLIGHT 1,500 lighting projectors were installed along the 5.067km street circuit and pit lane here last year

Valerio Maioli's Motor Sports Green Powered (MSGP) company is setting up a centre here to test 'greener' ways to power the track lights, starting with this year's race in September.

If successful, the solution could also be used to offset energy consumption in other areas such as pit buildings and temporary facilities in the circuit park.

MSGP aims to complete tests by 2010 and hopes to extend the idea to 'the majority of major motor sport racing events' in 2011.

The idea is to open test centres worldwide, assuming the pilot project is a success, said Mr Maioli.

The equipment needed for the Singapore centre is being sponsored by several companies and MSGP is waiting to be told by the government where the centre should be located.

Mr Maioli is working with Italian counterpart Alessandro Leoni, who has extensive experience in green energy sources. The initiative is supported by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone too.

'The International Automobile Federation has already taken a step in the right direction by encouraging teams to be more energy efficient,' Mr Maioli said.

'It should not stop there. MSGP represents a milestone in the environmental development of motor racing and is open to everyone in industry.'

For Singapore's 2008 GP, 1,500 custom-made lighting projectors were installed along the 5.067 km street circuit and pit lane to ensure near-daylight conditions, with a luminosity of 3,000 lux per lamp. This is about four times brighter than a typical stadium.