Haze cloud threatens Singapore GP

Editor

The haze hanging over Singapore will be monitored ahead of this weekend's grand prix at the Marina Bay street circuit.

For the past week the smog, which is caused by farmers in neighbouring Indonesia burning forests to clear land for agriculture, has hung over the city-state, and is currently rated in the mid to low range of unhealthy air quality.

The smog resulted in a number of local sports events in Singapore being cancelled over the weekend due to health concerns.

"The possibility of haze is just one of the many potential issues that are covered in the overall 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix Contingency Plan," a race spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.

"The plan was formulated and refined with stake holders, government bodies and the Formula One community.

"In the event that the haze caused visibility, public health or operational issues Singapore GP would work closely with the relevant agencies before making any collective decisions regarding the event."

The Singapore National Environment Agency has said that the Pollutant Standards Index levels are likely to remain in the "unhealthy" range for the coming week.

The Singapore Grand Prix, the only race on the calendar to be held completely under floodlights, is the 13th race of the season and Lewis Hamilton heads into the race with a 53-point lead over team-mate Nico Rosberg in the World Championship standings.