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The race will go on

SINGAPORE — The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay street circuit is expected to go ahead this weekend in spite of the haze situation here.

A view of the Singapore F1 Grand Prix night race Marina Bay street circuit shrouded by haze in Singapore September 14, 2015. Photo: Reuters

A view of the Singapore F1 Grand Prix night race Marina Bay street circuit shrouded by haze in Singapore September 14, 2015. Photo: Reuters

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SINGAPORE — The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay street circuit is expected to go ahead this weekend in spite of the haze situation here.

Race promoters Singapore GP said in a statement issued today (Sept 15): “Based on the current PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) levels, there are no plans to amend the published racing and entertainment programme.”

“The haze situation is highly changeable, not only from day to day, but from hour to hour. Therefore, it is currently not possible to reliably predict what the PSI level might be over the race weekend. We will continue to work closely with all the relevant government authorities to receive the best possible forecasts when they are available.”

A number of measures will be put in place for the Sept 18 to 20 race, said Singapore GP. These include displaying PSI readings and health advisories on the Singapore GP website (www.singaporegp.sg), the official Singapore GP mobile app, and on the giant screens between races. They will also be broadcast on the in-circuit radio system. The government health advisory will also be placed at the entrances of the circuit park.

Singapore GP will also make N95 masks available to spectators throughout the circuit at cost price, and all 24 medical and first aid posts will be on standby to handle any haze-related medical conditions.

The current haze situation is the worst here in two years, with PSI levels hitting the 24-hour range of “unhealthy” (101-200) air quality during the past few days. A number of outdoor events have also been affected. Last Sunday’s Singtel-Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer was called off, while the organisers of the POSB Passion Run for Kids cancelled the 10km category and Kids’ Run from its line-up after the three-hour PSI hit 147.

While Singapore GP’s decision to go ahead with the race will be met with relief by fans, sponsors, and advertisers, some fans are adopting a wait-and-see approach for the weekend.

“I will gauge how the weather is as I feel this is the worst case of haze that we’ve ever had,” said Ning Cai, 32, who had planned to watch American band Maroon 5 on Saturday.

“I will bring my own mask, but if it gets really bad, there is no point going as I wouldn’t want to fall ill. (PSI) numbers aside, it’s more about how I feel on the weekend. I just recovered from a fever and still have a sore throat (from the haze).”

Designer Justin Cheong, 24, felt that the measures were sufficient for spectators. He said: “That’s more than good enough for me because I won’t give up my ticket.”

“I am going with my colleagues and there is a bit of worry about the haze, but we will be bringing our masks. It (the situation) is not that bad yet so it won’t stop us.”

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