As the season draws to an exciting finale, RBS global ambassador Sir Jackie Stewart admits he has mixed emotions about a night race in Singapore, but refuses to be drawn on who he thinks will grab the limelight at the end of the campaign.
"There's been considerable speculation and anticipation about the Singapore race. It is yet another street race – joining the Grands Prix of Australia, Valencia and, most famously, Monte Carlo.
Australia is already well established – clearly not for as many years as Monaco – but Valencia was a brand new arrival this year and was, I think, disappointing. There was little or no passing and the circuit looked bland – more like a dockland area than the harbour at Monte Carlo.
I'm not convinced that street races are where we should be going, mainly because of the considerable investment that is required to lay them down and then almost break them up again on an annual basis. It's also considerably more difficult to make it both exciting and safe – a combination that is absolutely imperative for the long-term future of Formula One.
Much has been made, of course, about the Singapore Grand Prix being a night race – a whole new dimension to Formula One. It's not without its risks, however. What if there is a major downpour of rain – not unheard of on the equator? Formula One open-wheeled race cars, travelling at high speeds, cause considerable spray. In broad daylight, it's difficult for the drivers to see much. Add to that darkness with overhead lighting, where the prism of the light is magnified in rain (as many everyday road drivers will know from their own experience).
At speeds of between 150mph and 200mph in open-wheeled cars, the plume of dense spray under lights will be challenging to say the least. Let's hope it stays dry.
Singapore is an exciting destination for Formula One, and I'm sure the organisers will try hard to create the same intoxication as, say, Monaco, but it does to take time to enter the world of the establish icons of the sport. Monaco, Monza, the British Grand Prix, the French and the German were there at the very beginning, way back in 1950, and the new arrivals try to either emulate them or create something new.
I'm as nostalgic as anyone else about the great Grand Prix venues, but old and new both have a place.
Moving to the action on the track, the outcome of the championship is proving to be extremely difficult to predict and the season could go right down to the last race.
I was impressed by Felipe Massa last year but felt he was very 'peak and valley'. This year, he has been considerable more consistent and, in some of his races, I've taken my hat off to his dominance and control. I believe Michael Schumacher has had something to do with that.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, but I think it's ludicrous that Grand Prix drivers don't have coaches to assist them in how they go about their business and improve their performance. Michael Schumacher has taken a strong interest in Massa and, from what I can see, has opened the door of opportunity for Felipe to ask questions, look for advice and be given counsel by someone who has been there and done it.
Lewis Hamilton has extraordinary ability for someone so young but has had a season where errors have occurred that otherwise could have had him further ahead in the world championship.
There is also a long shot – Robert Kubica could upset both teams. He has shown again this year immense talent and ability. I think even BMW, however, would admit that it would be asking a little too much to have a car and driver combination in 2008 capable of wining the world championship? Nevertheless, their progress in the last 24 months has been profound and Kubica himself has wakened up an awful lot of people.
As for the teams, McLaren are as able as Ferrari to produce winning cars. In my opinion, the McLaren is less of a challenge and a little more of an invitation to drive in the wet, as has been shown by Lewis and Heikki Kovalainen. If it's dry, the Ferraris may still have the edge.
Of course, the top three might all be embarrassed if the young German, Sebastian Vettel, drives in the fashion that he did in extraordinary difficult conditions in qualifying and the race at Monza.
Me? As a Scotsman, I would be very nervous to put any money on which driver is going to make it happen."
Sir Jackie's Diary - February