This is a race of firsts. Not only is it the inaugural Singtel Singapore Grand Prix, but it is also the first ever night race for F1.

The shot below shows how the track looks lit up. This photo was during one of the lighting tests in preparation for the big event.

Photo Credit: zerou AP Photo/Wong Maye-E

The drivers competition is tight with one point separating positions one and two (Lewis Hamilton with 78 and Felipe Massa with 77). Running in third is Kubica with 64 points.

Hamilton and McLaren tried to increase their lead this week by appealing the 25 second penalty levied against Hamilton for cutting a chicane in at the Belgium Grand Prix while racing with Raikkonen. The FIA was quick to throw the request out stating that the appeal was inadmissible.

The Singapore race is a counter-clockwise race with 23 corners over 5.067 km (3.149 miles). The 61 laps bring the total race distance to 309.087 km (192.066 miles). If the streets stay dry it will be a very interesting race, it should provide some great photography and it will add another hot circuit to the schedule.

Checkout Sidepodcast’s preview below: