Formula one's first floodlit race through the city streets of Singapore promises to be a fantastic event, says Williams driver Nico Rosberg.
But the German concedes drivers are still jittery about the September 28 night-time race on an untested street circuit.
"Safety is always a concern for street races, and that plus being under the floodlights at night --?safety is a bit of a question mark still," the 22-year-old said yesterday.
Rosberg said he had no idea how tearing through the streets of the Lion City at more than 300 kph at night would differ from racing in daylight.
"I couldn't tell you because I've never driven at night. I've never tested. There's no tracks with lights so you can't really prepare," he added.
However Rosberg, who finished a career-best third at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, was convinced Formula One authorities (FIA) would iron out the safety issues.
"I'm sure the FIA has done their job and I think it'll be a great event."
Rosberg, whose father Keke won the world championship in 1982, put an end to two years of frustration on Sunday by claiming a podium place, but it was an achievement just to finish the chaotic Albert Park race.
McLaren's Lewis Hamilton claimed victory ahead of BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld in a crash-strewn race that saw only seven of 22 starters finish.
Formula One champion Ferrari made its worst start to a season since 1992, with neither world champion Kimi Raikkonen nor Brazilian teammate Felipe Massa reaching the chequered flag.
Rosberg said rule changes implemented this season that removed traction control and other so-called "driver aids" had played a major role in the mayhem.
"I'm sure there were a few mistakes," he said. "On turn one, Massa spinning off on his own?-- that was because of the driver aids being gone."
But the other teams' struggles was good news for Williams, he added.
"It was definitely the best possible start for us," he said.
"We didn't really know what to expect when we went to Australia and never would have expected a podium finish, so that's fantastic."
(Agencies via Shanghai Daily March 19, 2008)