As well as delivering optimal visibility for night race conditions, the system must also minimise glare and reflection from a wet surface or spray thrown up by the cars. Maioli plans to achieve this by using lighting projectors strategically positioned around the circuit, illuminating the action from one side of the road only to enhance the televisual aspect of the event, but being careful that the direction of the beam does not impair visibility should a driver spin and be facing the wrong way.

The logistical set up is vast, requiring 108,423m of power cables, 240 steel pylons, approximately 1600 light projectors with a total power requirement of 3,180,000 watts. At 3000lux levels, the lighting will be four times brighter than the lights at most modern sports stadiums.

As the light system is a temporary one, the set-up and dismantling needs to be as easy as possible to minimise disruption to everyday life. Because of the limited time-frame, it is be impossible to place the cables in underground ducts, so aluminium trusses - similar to those seen at rock and pop concerts - will be used to house the cables.

Power will come from a dozen generators, with back-ups in place should any fail. As a precaution, engineers will also be assigned to each generator, which can be quickly interchanged in the event of a problem. In an effort to minimise disruption should lights fail, neighbouring projectors will be powered by different sources in order to keep the track illuminated at all times.

Environmental concerns are also being addressed, with the lights set to be lower than the tree canopy to prevent unnecessary uprooting of trackside greenery.

The deal to stage the grand prix is currently for five years, with an option to extend the arrangement to twice that duration should the event prove to be a success.

With title sponsor SingTel coming on board in November to add one final piece to the jigsaw, corporate hospitality beginning to be snapped up and general admission tickets due to go on sale in the middle of January, it is hard to see how the Singapore can fail to set Formula One alight.