No plans at present to amend weekend's schedule; PSI index measuring air quality improves on Wednesday
Tuesday 22 September 2015 09:33, UK
Organisers of the Singapore GP say they are not planning to change this weekend's schedule despite the haze which has descended upon the region.
Local flights have been diverted or even cancelled as a result of the haze that has blanketed parts of Southeast Asia in recent days, although Sky Sports News HQ reported on Wednesday that the situation is improving.
"The situation does seem to be getting better heading towards the end of the week," said Craig Slater. "The organisers of the Singapore Grand Prix say they are not changing anything in terms of the scheduling of any of the practice or competitive sessions, so it should be that the grand prix passes off."
In a statement, race organisers said: 'Based on the current PSI 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.'
The PSI, or Pollutant Standards Index, measures air quality. The unhealthy range is 101-200, but the index reached a level of 222 on Tuesday, meaning that the government can cancel sporting events.
Local football matches have been called off, although conditions appear to be improving. "Hearteningly, the figure has dropped below 100 today," Slater added. "Rain has come and also a change in the wind direction should further improve the situation."
The haze has spread from Indonesia, where fires are often started to clear land for plantations.
Full statement from Singapore GP organisers on 'haze situation'
'Based on the current PSI 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.
'Singapore GP has put in place a number of measures for the race weekend:
'In order for our patrons to make informed decisions on the haze situation, the PSI reading and relevant health advisory will be displayed on the Singapore GP website (www.singaporegp.sg), official Singapore GP mobile app, the giant screens between races and broadcast on the in-circuit radio system. The government health advisory will also be posted at all Circuit Park entrances.
'N95 masks will be available for patrons throughout the Circuit Park at cost price.
'All of our 24 medical and first aid posts have been placed on standby to handle any possible haze-related conditions.'
