SINGAPORE, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Formula One's first night race received a collective thumbs up from teams and drivers on Friday, with the Singapore Grand Prix delivering on its promise of a floodlit spectacular.
Tens of thousands of fans packed into stands along the street circuit for the opening practice sessions, roaring with excitement as the cars streaked through the city-state's business district and marina area.
Against the backdrop of Singapore's stunning skyline, 1,600 light projectors framed the skyscrapers to illuminate the 5.067km track.
Championship leader Lewis Hamilton described the circuit as "an amazing venue" and said it presented a much tougher physical challenge than other street circuits such as Monaco.
"It's a very physical circuit -- more than I expected, actually," the McLaren driver said. "I'd say it requires double the energy of Monaco over a single lap."
'LIKE A MOVIE'
Mercedes motorsport vice-president Norbert Haug was full of praise for the Singapore setting and gave it a glowing review.
"Atmospherically probably the best pictures ever seen in F1," he said. "The scenery -- it's unreal, it's like in a movie. It's a big, big step forward for Formula One."
Ferrari's world champion Kimi Raikkonen enjoyed the experience of driving at speeds approaching 300kph under the artificial lights.
"The visibility is great and you don't really feel you are driving at night with all the lights on the track," said the Finn.
"Overall I think we will be competitive."
BMW-Sauber's Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld were just off the pace of the leading trio but were happy with the conditions. Team Technical Director Willy Rampf said Singapore had become the marquee race on the calendar.
"The atmosphere is fantastic, the style of the place is unique," he added.
"This was a good start to what will become the most exceptional race weekend of the year."
