Why F1 drivers anticipate a more exciting Singapore Grand Prix
Traditionally, the circuit at Marina Bay has supplied dynamic visuals. Components 1 vehicles streaking across the metropolis streets with the Singapore skyline affords an unimaginable setting.
Nonetheless, races at Marina Bay have been discovered missing in one other division.
Overtaking.
The slender configuration of the monitor, coupled with the variety of twists and activates town streets, has seen overtaking come at a premium through the years. In keeping with one research, Marina Bay has seen the second-fewest overtakes on common with simply 19.5 per race, forward of solely the Monaco Grand Prix.
As we sit up for this weekend’s installment of the Singapore Grand Prix, these hoping to see extra overtaking might need cause for optimism, due to a change within the structure of the course.
As you possibly can see on this video from race organizers, the previous stretch between Turns 16 and 19, requiring drivers to navigate a fast sequence of turns, has been altered:
As an alternative, drivers now will encounter a straight, popping out from Connaught (Flip 14) by way of Flip 15 and down the brand new straight, which finishes on the new Flip 16.
This transformation cuts the variety of corners at Marina Bay to 19, down from 23. Race officers imagine it is going to shave off lap instances, and through the Thursday press conferences, drivers opined that the brand new structure might certainly enhance overtaking.
“I feel it’s going to make the race a bit extra thrilling. I feel Singapore is a very nice circuit to drive, but it surely’s a bit of bit difficult to race on. And traditionally, it’s solely actually been Flip 5, which has been an overtaking alternative, whereas now I hope possibly into the brand new Flip 16 there’ll be one other likelihood,” stated Mercedes driver George Russell. “It’ll make it barely simpler bodily for us, as a result of it was clearly the longest race of the season when it comes to time length. So I feel the monitor will most likely be 9 seconds or so faster this 12 months. So a bit shorter on Sunday. However as I stated much less enjoyable in quali, ought to be higher for the race.”
AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda agreed that the structure might see a rise in overtaking, however questioned if an extra DRS zone might be added in that stretch.
“I feel [we’ll see] extra overtaking,” Tsunoda stated. “I feel extra possibilities, which is sweet. We have now a DRS zone earlier than that so hopefully we are able to shut the hole there with a little bit of slipstream till the second-to-last nook and possibly we are able to overtake there.
“I’m undecided why they didn’t add a DRS zone there. Within the simulator to date it’s not straightforward to comply with with DRS. There’s a little bit of a left-hand nook and a protracted straight in sector three the place they modified,” continued Tsunoda. “It’s form of a blind nook, so I can get why they wish to do it, however we’ll see the actual monitor if it’s a actual difficulty to place a DRS zone or not.”
Nonetheless, one driver agrees that whereas the modifications may make for extra thrilling racing, it won’t profit him and his crew. “Normally extra corners, the higher it’s for us, so I wasn’t so eager,” stated Alpine driver Pierre Gasly. “However yeah, I feel the monitor is… I’ve all the time cherished Singapore for the way twisty and technical it’s, in a approach, so yeah, it’s simply two chicanes which have been taken away and no extensive grandstand which is going through the unsuitable approach there. So hopefully, they didn’t promote too many tickets there. However yeah, aside from that it’s nonetheless going to be very, very cool.”
Whereas it won’t profit Alpine, it may gain advantage these watching, whether or not at dwelling or within the stands.
Lance Stroll of Aston Martin set forth the notion that the structure might make for extra overtaking — and thus extra pleasure — within the race itself. “I feel it’s good for racing on Sunday, for certain,” stated Stroll. “You realize, like George stated earlier than, it’s been a spot that’s lots of enjoyable on Saturdays however is usually a little bit boring on Sunday. So hopefully, they may give us a bit extra thrilling racing on Sunday.”
Music to the ears of F1 followers.
