Posted on 15th September 2016
As we head to Marina Bay for the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend for the fifteenth race of the 2016 season Pirelli have shown the Yellow Soft, Red Supersoft and Purple Ultrasoft tyres (which have only been used at the Austrian Grand Prix).
Pirelli has chosen the three softest tyres in the P Zero range to cater for the unique demands of the Marina Bay street circuit: a long lap, fluctuating track temperatures, and a physically demanding race for both drivers and cars.
Singapore has the highest number of corners of any circuit all year (23) but is the second-slowest lap after Monaco: placing demands on tyres in terms of cornering, braking and traction. The surface of the track is typically bumpy, also with street furniture such as painted lines and manholes. With the event being run at night, track temperatures don't evolve in the usual way seen at a daytime race.
However the ambient temperatures still remain high though, meaning drivers have to manage degradation. The Singapore GP is a long race and high safety car probability open up many different tyre strategy opportunities. With the teams and the drivers running low downforce means that all the mechanical grip comes from tyres: the left-rear works hardest. Pit stop time is long due to a lower speed limit and long pit lane: a key strategic consideration.
But with the barriers so close to the side of the track, no mistakes go unpunished during this two-hour marathon held in humid conditions. This is one of the most unpredictable races of the year – it’s the only track with a 100% safety car record – so all the complex variables inevitably throw up opportunities for teams to do something creative with strategy. In terms of competition, it looks set to be one of the closest races we will see all year, where tyre management will make a big difference.
Here's my facts and figures as well as my predictions heading into the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend-
Facts and Figures
• Singapore has hosted the Grand Prix since 2008.
• Sebastian Vettel is the most successful driver at the track with four wins.
• Red Bull and Ferrari are the most successful constructors to win the Grand Prix with three wins each
• Race distance: 309.31km (192.20 miles)
• Number of turns: 23
• Top speed: 297kph
• Lap record: Kimi Raikkonen- Ferrari (2008)- 1.45.599
Last five winners from the Singapore Grand Prix:-
• 2011-Sebastian Vettel
• 2012-Sebastian Vettel
• 2013- Sebastian Vettel
• 2014- Lewis Hamilton
• 2015- Sebastian Vettel
My five things to look out for this weekend:-
1. Tyre performance-With Pirelli bringing a relatively normal tyre choices to Singapore, all eyes will be upon Pirelli to see if the tyres will spice up the action at the track this weekend. But it will be interesting to see how that affects tyre usage and strategy during the race especially given the fact that the left-rear will be the most worked. Will this impact anyone's race on Sunday as a result?
2. Weather- As I have already mentioned with the track hosting the event at night, it is a physically demanding race for the drivers especially. Will this affect anyone?
3. Safety Car- With the Safety Car having a 100% record at the event and the track holding no prisoners if mistakes are made, will we see the Safety Car appearing again this weekend and keeping its strong record?
4. Performance of the Red Bull team- With the Red Bull team now being left behind after Ferrari have found some form on the track in Monza, all eyes will be upon them to deliver the goods this weekend at a circuit that usually bodes well for them.
5. Performance of the Mercedes team- With Mercedes being the firm favourites heading into the race this weekend, all eyes will be upon them to see if they will still be as competitive as they were last season. But with Red Bull showing good performance and pace in the first few races, has their advantage and stranglehold on the sport been broken?
Sky Sports F1 are showing uninterrupted coverage of every Practice session, Qualifying and race for the Grand Prix (and every race of the season) and Channel Four also are showing coverage, details for both are below:-
• Sky Sports F1:- Friday (Practice 1 and 2) 10.45am and 2.15pm [Replays throughout Thursday and Friday], Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 10.45am and 1.00pm [Replays throughout Saturday], Sunday (Race) 11.30am
• Channel Four– Saturday (Qualifying Highlights) 5.30pm, Sunday (Race Highlights) 6.30pm
Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa
