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When the Singapore F1 Grand Prix begins on September 28th, it will feature the first application of Digiflags, 35 large screens that can display the different flag colors, making it easier for racers to know what's going on while speeding down the track. The system will be used in conjunction with traditional flags, but separate track marshals posted through the circuit will control the electronic boards as the race The full press release is posted below the fold.
PRESS RELEASE
Singapore Formula One GP hi-tech electronic 'digiflag' displays will enhance night time safety
As well as making history as the sport's first-ever night race, the FORMULA 1™ SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX on September 28 will also mark the introduction of electronic flag displays as well as the coloured flags traditionally waved by race officials to communicate with drivers.
The flag signals, which have been an integral part of Grand Prix motor racing for over five decades, will be supplemented by electronic boards alongside the track. Using technology similar to units used to guide pilots at major airports, the 'DigiFlags' will display the different flag colours more effectively at the night race because of the brightness of the display boards.
The system, developed by Singapore GP technical consultants Valerio Maioli Spa, is the result of more than a decade of development at the Barcelona, Imola and Monza racing circuits, in order to meet the stringent requirements of the FIA sporting code. The Singapore street circuit will mark the first ever use of the Digiflag technology in a Formula OneTM event.
Thirty five display panels will be situated around the track. Controlled by hand-held panels operated by officials at each marshals' post, they will supplement the traditional flag signals. In addition the race director will have an overview of the warnings being displayed around the entire circuit, allowing more centralised, efficient communication of warnings to drivers.
The announcement of the new 'digiflag' technology follows a successful week long demonstration of the lighting units that will make history when Singapore hosts the world's first night race on the Formula One™ calendar. Sixteen lighting projectors were installed and tested last week on a 64 metre stretch of St. Andrew's Road in front of the Padang, which in September will see the cars reaching up to 260 km/h.
The system was operated for five hours each night through the week. In addition to allowing members of the public to view the lighting infrastructure, the tests gave valuable feedback on the operation of the systems in all weather conditions, and over a sustained period.
In September, the entire track will be fitted with nearly 1,500 lighting projectors which will be powered by 12 twin power generators. An overall average of about 3000 lux level is required to illuminate the circuit, which is enough to meet High Definition television broadcast standards. As a result, the track will be almost four times brighter than a typical stadium.
The demonstration also revealed that the lighting projectors are designed in such a way as to avoid glare to spectators as well as to ensure the safety of drivers during the race.
Installation of the full lighting system will be carried out in stages, starting with the Pit Straight at the end of May with completion targeted for 31 August 2008, a month ahead of the race on 28 September.
The live demonstration of the lighting system is the latest milestone as Singapore prepares for race day in September. The Pit Building is 65 percent complete and well on schedule to be ready by the end of June. The modification works to existing roads, such as the removal of kerbs and traffic islands along the track, as well as the expansion of the Promenade in front the National Day Parade seating gallery, are in the advanced stages of completion.
The remaining of the road works, such as the construction of a new track section in front of the pit building and the construction of a service road and tunnel to the paddock, are expected to be completed by late May.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
beaz @ Apr 17th 2008 5:21PM
wow, cutting edge
Zane @ Apr 17th 2008 6:04PM
Hope they don't use el-cheapo LEDs that burn out at a moment's notice.
Franz @ Apr 17th 2008 6:16PM
I'm looking forward to this race. I hope all goes well.
JunkStory @ Apr 17th 2008 6:58PM
*yawn*
is this supposed to be some kind of technological breakthrough?
nardi @ Apr 17th 2008 7:02PM
I saw the Moto GP night race this year and it was strange that after the first two minutes I didnt notice any difference to a day race, other than the riders had clear visors so you could see their faces.
pmiddle5 @ Apr 17th 2008 8:57PM
Seeing their faces will be super cool if they can actually manage to get up close. The reverse cameras they place sometimes will be fully awesome. Why they have done this system a long time ago makes my head hurt...How come they cant have something ONBOARD the car. We got cell phones, saran wrap, the internet, bluetooth. COME ON. We're a smart society they have to be able to do something like that
hotcams @ Apr 18th 2008 12:18AM
So China gets another F1 venue??
A Porsche Fan @ Apr 18th 2008 12:39AM
You been living under a rock for the past 200 years?
Singapore has never been part of, and never will be part of China. In fact, it used to be part of Britain, and is still proud to be an English Speaking nation. It is located in South East Asia (which is 5 hours flight from China) and has GDP per capita comparable to the leading European nations. Furthermore, it has been independent for 43 years and counting.
In my opinion it is great that Singapore is holding such a wonderful event... it would be nice to let the entire world know that Singapore is an independent, English-speaking nation and one of the most advanced in technology.
Go Singapore!
se30 @ Apr 18th 2008 3:57AM
What are you? Freaking stupid?
ajprice @ Apr 18th 2008 3:31AM
Black flag???
moa @ Apr 18th 2008 4:31AM
black LEDs ;P