Formula One team Red Bull’s claim that their devastating loss in the Singapore GP was due to static electricity from an MRT train has been refuted by SMRT. Mark Webber’s gearbox had apparently failed at turn 13 just as he was on course for a podium finish.

‘There is no MRT track beneath turn 13. The nearest MRT tunnel is about 200 metres away, with a depth of about 10 metres,’ a SMRT spokesperson said on Wednesday.

‘In addition, train wheels and running rails are made of metal and therefore do not generate static electricity charges during train operations.’

Seems like it is a trend to blame the first ever night race for all the hiccups and glitches when a team loses. Especially the bosses from Ferrari who dubbed it a circus. Bernie Ecclestone was in more jovial mood at the success of the first night race held in a street circuit.

“If the Ferrari president is right about the Singapore Grand Prix being a circus, then we have to be grateful to him for providing the clowns.”

I would have to say the glitches were at a bare minimal, and the setup was generally good, with no jams at the entry/exit points. Sore losers anyone?