Singapore Grand Prix Preview

The sun has set on the European season, it's time to switch on the lights for the Singapore Grand Prix. It is a relatively new Grand Prix venue, but it quickly became a favourite with the shining lights, packed crowds and tremendous atmosphere. With so much going on once again in the driver market, there is plenty to get stuck into this weekend. But first, let's take a look at the circuit.

Marina Bay Street Circuit

The Facts:
Lap: 5.073 km
Race Laps: 61
Lap Record: 1:45.599
K Raikkonen (2008)
2012 Winner: Sebastian Vettel
Race Date: 22.09.2013
Safety Car – Very Likely
Weather – Night, Hot & Humid
Tyre Allocation – Super Soft & Medium
DRS Zones: Pit-straight and between turns 5 – 7.

With the skyscrapers rising high above this tight and twisty circuit, the sun sets, lights illuminate, sparks fly and the atmosphere rises. This is one of Motorsport's greatest spectacles. 2007 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen says “I really like going to Singapore. It's a great place to be, I love the local food, and I don't mind the unusual times we run in the car as it means I don't have to get up so early”. The Marina Bay Street Circuit is tight, bumpy and poses the biggest challenge of the year. Many describe it as the Monaco in darkness, but that's not quite true. It's not dark for a start. But it's outrageously bumpy, the manhole covers and road markings making it very difficult. The lights are enormously powerful and when stood on the track it doesn't feel like its night time at all. But this is a long circuit with 23 corners stretching over five kilometres.

Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg likes the challenge, “The Singapore Grand Prix is a unique event. The atmosphere and excitement is special, because it's a night race, it's right in the middle of the city and the crowd is great. Singapore is a tough circuit in terms of how it affects the driver physically. The humidity is very high, so there is less oxygen in the air, and that's challenging”. The races often reach the two hour time limit especially if the Safety Car makes an appearance, which is highly likely. Recovering a car from the circuit is so difficult, with virtually no run-off areas and walls' lining the circuit, a recovery vehicle has to enter the track. This cannot be done without the intervention of the Safety Car. Race strategy is often built around this high possibility, it can make or break your race.

The Lap

This is the toughest circuit of the season, reaching speeds of up to 180mph over the bumps, and curbs. These are normal roads used throughout the year by normal traffic. The heat and humidity are possibly the biggest challenge as the drivers are flat out for the two hour race. It's relentless, corner after corner, lap after lap. It's very difficult to overtake around this circuit, Kimi Raikkonen agrees. “Like at every street circuit it's very difficult to pass other cars there, so starting the race as high as possible on the grid is very an important factor in getting a good result on Sunday”. It isn’t always the most exciting of races, but with the championship being dominated by Sebastian Vettel, the main contenders will do all they can to close the gap.

Pre Race Pointers:

Kimi Raikkonen has signed for Ferrari once again, in 2014 he will partner Fernando Alonso in the Scuderia. It’s certainly the most exciting F1 partnership I can remember in recent times, Ferrari undoubtedly have the strongest team for next season. The flying Finn will be at the centre of the media attention in Singapore, not something he’s looking forward I imagine. But this leaves Felipe Massa out of a seat, but he has confirmed he is in talks with Lotus. The 2014 driver market still has plenty of twists in the tale.

There is a change on this Marina Bay Street Circuit for 2013. The infamous Singapore Sling corner has finally been removed. The corner which was very tight and unpopular with almost everyone has been replaced with a very simple left hand bend. To make the corner safe they have placed an extra row of Tec-Pro barriers, with no run off area available this was the only option. With this adjustment the average lap time should drop by around three seconds.

You can enjoy coverage of the Singapore Grand Prix here at Driving For Pleasure with my full race report online. Follow Formula 1 throughout 2013 with our “Live F1” feature, it’s the place to be for all the latest news and information. Also @TomWilkinsonF1 on Twitter