Bahrain circuit to test floodlights for night race

In other news, Bahrain will test lights at their circuit in an effort to have the second night race of the F1 season.

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Bahrain circuit officials will test a new floodlight system this weekend as part of their plans to turn their 10th-anniversary Formula One Grand Prix into a night race next year.

Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Bahrain International Circuit chief executive, said yesterday that an endurance race at the Sakhir circuit today and tomorrow would test the first phase of the project.

“This is by far the biggest development project we have ever undertaken at the BIC since the circuit was first built,” he said.

“I believe that there can be no better way for us to mark our 10th anniversary in F1 by demonstrating our long-term commitment to the sport through this significant investment.”

The illumination for the F1 race will involve 495 lighting poles, ranging in height from 10-45 metres, and will be suitable for high-definition broadcasting on television.

Singapore currently hosts Formula One’s only full-night race, with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix a day-to-night event, with the sun setting during the race. Bahrain’s race would start after sunset.

Bahrain’s race is scheduled for April 6 on the provisional F1 calendar, with the official calendar set to be announced by the FIA, Formula One’s ruling body, next Friday.

Meanwhile, Lotus yesterday announced the signing of Venezuelan driver Pastor Maldonado to partner Romain Grosjean for the 2014 season.

Maldonado joins from Williams, where he spent the past three seasons, with the most notable achievement of winning the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix.

“It’s no secret that I have wanted a change of scene to help push on with my Formula 1 career and Lotus F1 Team offered the very best opportunity for me to be competitive next season,” Maldonado said.

“The regulations and cars will change significantly so it is a very good time for a fresh start.”

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