A cloud of smog hanging over Singapore is being monitored by organisers of next weekend’s grand prix.
At this time of year the city-state is shrouded by a haze caused by farmers in neighbouring Indonesia burning forests to clear land for agriculture.
The smog is rated as being in the mid- to low-range of unhealthy air quality.
A race spokesperson said the haze would only become an issue if it causes “visibility, public health or operational issues”.
The statement added that organisers will “work closely with the relevant agencies before making any collective decisions regarding the event”.
“The possibility of haze is just one of the many potential issues that are covered in the contingency plan.”
| The South East Asia Haze |
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“For many years, the annual smog been at the centre of heated diplomatic debate between Indonesia and Singapore. Some citizens of both countries have launched online campaigns to combat the haze.” |
A number of local sports events in Singapore were cancelled this weekend due to health concerns.
The Singapore National Environment Agency said that the Pollutant Standards Index levels were likely to remain in the “unhealthy” range for the next week.
Smog concerns are nothing new to F1 with the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai routinely affected by concerns over air quality.
In 2013, the final practice session for the
was delayed by 20 minutes due to poor visibility caused by pollution, which meant the medical helicopter was unable to take off.
The floodlit night race around Singapore’s Marina Bay street circuit is the 13th round of the 2015 season.
World champion Lewis Hamilton goes into the race with a commanding 53-point lead over Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in the drivers’ standings.
Every year, Indonesian forest fires affect those in neighbouring Singapore and Malaysia
