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Kubica joins the chorus against twilight races in Asia

Source: Agencies | April 3, 2009, Friday | Print Edition

BMW'S Robert Kubica has criticized the scheduling of twilight Formula One races in Asia, saying they are very dangerous, and driver complaints had been ignored.

The Malaysian Grand Prix will begin at 5pm local time on Sunday, as did last week's Australian Grand Prix when drivers struggled while driving directly toward the low setting sun. The late start in Malaysia will also increase the chances of the race being rain affected, with rains generally arriving in late afternoon and early evening in the tropical country.

"In Australia it was a big issue," Kubica said yesterday. "The visibility at the end of the race was quite poor, especially in the last sector. It was quite dangerous, I would say even very dangerous.

"Here, by postponing the race there is a higher probability of rain. If it is cloudy and rainy, most probably it will be very dark. If there is no rain and sunny, we might have the similar problem (as) in Australia with very low sun, and then the visibility is very bad."

Kubica said drivers had already complained about the later starts to F1 authorities, who had adopted the twilight races because they are at a more convenient time for European television audiences.

"The drivers already complained last year after Australia, by starting the race at 3.30," Kubica said. "We have to take into consideration it's very dangerous, and we have to keep it in mind for the future."

Meanwhile, the Polish driver was cagey when asked if he would use the KERS energy-boost system this weekend. While teammate Nick Heidfeld used it in Australia, Kubica did not and still was on course for a second-place finish before a late collision with Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel ended his race.
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