Haze threatens Singapore F1 race

SINGAPORE  –  A thick cloud of haze threatens this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix race caused by farmers burning the forests in neighboring Sumatra as they clear the land for planting season. This annual slash-and-burn activity sometimes causes the smog to go to unhealthy levels and at present, it is rated from low to midrange levels of “unhealthy” air quality by the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI), possibly affecting the race driver’s visibility as well.

“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 Singapore GP 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.”

It was reported that a number of local sports events in Singapore were already cancelled this weekend because of health risks and the Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) told Reuters that the PSI levels were likely to remain in the “unhealthy” range for the next week.

“There has been adeterioration in the haze conditions in Singapore since early Tuesday morning, as the prevailing winds continued to blow in haze from Sumatra,” the NEA said.

For now it is not certain if the haze will deteriorate any further so the event organizers are not speculating yet if the race will be cancelled but is mindful of this possibility.  Everyone is advised to stay tuned to further announcements by the authorities and the event organizers.