Emboldened by the apparent early success of Singapore’s first ever night Grand Prix, Bernie Ecclestone now plans to pressure Japan into a night event as well.

Speaking to the BBC, Ecclestone was asked about whether he wanted to see more night races and he said that if they were in Asia then yes. 

“We’re going to try to get Japan to do it.” he said. “I hope when people see Singapore they realise it wasn’t a stupid idea.“ he told BBC Five Live.

Ecclestone, who has for several years warned European promoters that the series was not a European one anymore but a genuine World series, understands that the sport’s biggest audience is still in Europe and if he is to maintain the massive TV rights from that region then races from this part of the World will need to run after dark to fit in with European Television needs.

Malaysia has committed to running a night race from 2009, however Melbourne has sought a compromise agreeing to run in the late afternoon to try and accommodate the demands of Ecclestone without the huge cost and major local disruption caused by a night race.

Drivers have, in the main given the thumbs up to the quality of the Singapore street lighting however the bumpiness of the track has caused some concern.

Also thus far despite forecasts of storms and heavy rain, none have hit the circuit during the F1 sessions. Should they come around during the race itself things might get mighty interesting.