SINGAPORE
The Marina Bay Circuit was designed by Herman Tilke and first used for Formula 1 in 2008. It is one of four street circuits in this year’s F1 Grand prix calendar, with the others being: the Albert Park Circuit (Melbourne, Australia), the “Circuito Urbano Espana” (Valencia, Spain), and Monte Carlo (Monaco).
It is located on the waterfront right in the heart of the central business district. The high rise buildings and architecture of the business district form an impressive backdrop for the circuit – especially at night when they are lit up – transforming the circuit surrounds to create a dazzling backdrop. The Singapore Grand Prix is unique in that it is a night race (the first Formula 1 night race was held here, back in 2008). The lighting around the circuit is excellent; so good in fact that it’s been compared to being almost like daylight. There are numerous grandstands allowing the spectators to get really close to action. A unique feature of this circuit is the “Floating Pavilion”, a grandstand that the cars will pass underneath. The title sponsor for this race is Singtel.
TRACK STATS:
Length: 5.073 km’s
Turns: 23
Race Distance: 309.316 km’s (61 laps)
Current Lap Record: Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) (2008) 1:45:599
2010 Winner: Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
RACE TIME
Qualifying: 16h00 (SA time – Saturday 24th September 2011)
Race: 14h00 (SA time – Sunday 25th September 2011)
WEATHER:
Saturday: 25/31
Sunday: 25/30
The weather conditions will be hot and very humid, almost equatorial-type humidity and heat. There is a small chance of thundershowers on Saturday for Qualifying, and also for Sunday’s Race. Let’s hope it stays dry.
TECHNICAL
This is an anti-clockwise circuit. It is a very bumpy circuit (in certain sections), making it difficult and tricky to drive on (racing under night conditions the sparks that emanate from underneath the cars as they fly over the bumpy sections are more evident). There are limited “run-off” areas here: make a mistake and chances are you’ll collect some Armco barrier or concrete barrier. A number of drivers have already “kissed” the wall during free practice. Many of the drivers have compared this circuit to the modern version of the Monte Carlo (Monaco) circuit.
Due to the tight and twisty nature of the circuit, there is only one DRS (drag reduction system) zone for this race. This is located between Turns 5 – 7, with cars hitting speeds of +-280km/h on this straight, before braking hard for Memorial Corner (Turn 7), taken at a mere +-110km/h. Who will get the “Singapore-Slingshot” and pull off the perfect overtaking manoeuvre this weekend?
Attacking the kerbs in the various chicanes will be a fine art: to put in a “hot lap” the drivers will need to use some kerb, but use too much and you risk launching the car completely offline and losing control. When this circuit was first used the profile of the kerbs was too high, resulting in numerous accidents. They have since been adjusted.
Car set-up will as usual be paramount: Singapore is a completely different proposition to the last two high-speed tracks (Monza and Spa-Franchorchamps). The cars will carry more wing for more down force in the slower chicanes and corners. “Turn-in” points will be crucial to maximise the use of the kerbs, along with a finely balanced car that will not be thrown off line by the many bumpy sections of the track.
The 2 tyre options that Pirelli have brought for this race are the “supersoft” compound (red writing on tyre sidewalls) and the “soft” compound (yellow writing).
A number of the top teams have brought new development parts to this circuit; whether or not they have managed to use them effectively during Free Practice and incorporate them into their ultimate race strategy remains to be seen.
2011 – F1 CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER STANDINGS:
- Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault 284
- Fernando Alonso Ferrari 172
- Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 167
- Mark Webber RBR-Renault 167
- Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 158
- Felipe Massa Ferrari 82
- Nico Rosberg Mercedes 56
- Michael Schumacher Mercedes 52
- Vitaly Petrov Renault 34
10. Nick Heidfeld Renault 34
2011 – F1 CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS:
- RBR-Renault 451
- McLaren-Mercedes 325
- Ferrari 254
- Mercedes 108
- Renault 70
- Force India-Mercedes 36
- Sauber-Ferrari 35
- STR-Ferrari 29
- Williams-Cosworth 5
10. Lotus-Renault 0
SUMMARY
Monza provided all the drama and action that it has become synonymous with over the years. Vettel was magnificent – his victory further cementing his claim on the Drivers’ World Championship. He may yet be crowned Champion this weekend, time will tell.
Singapore is another circuit altogether: a different track in almost every aspect, with its own unique ambience and flavour. One factor remains the same: the excitement and passion that is Formula 1 racing. This weekend, F1 owns the street of Singapore!
All that remains are 5 lights, and when the lights go out…
We are racing in Singapore!
Written by Mark Batchelder, Road and Race’s F1 Connoisseur
