Posted on 17th September 2014
After the Italian Grand Prix where Pirelli brought the two hardest compounds of their F1 range, Formula One now heads to Singapore where the two softest compounds in the range will be present: P Zero Yellow soft and P Zero Red supersoft.
The Marina Bay circuit at Singapore is a street circuit but is also very unique as well. The race is run entirely by night, which means that track and temperature evolutions are somewhat different to the normal course of a Grand Prix weekend. But this means that ambient temperatures are still generally high, which alongside the enclosed nature of the track in the heart of the city, means that this is one of the most physically demanding tracks of the year for the drivers.
Traction and braking are the key elements to the Marina Bay street circuit. There is also a bumpy surface, which makes finding consistent traction all the more difficult. As well as this, there is the usual street furniture including painted white lines and manhole covers that can catch drivers out and provide an extra hazard for the tyres. Singapore has more corners than any other track on the F1 calendar and this creating yet more work for the tyres.
But the challenge of the Marina Bay circuit is enjoyed by the teams, the drivers and also provides an entertaining and fascinating race for the fans tuning in to watch on a Sunday too.
Facts and Figures
• Singapore has hosted the Grand Prix since 2008.
• Sebastian Vettel is the most successful driver at the track with three wins.
• Red Bull is the most successful constructor to win the Grand Prix with three wins.
• Race distance: 309.31km (192.20 miles)
• Number of turns: 23
• Top speed: 297kph
• Lap record: Kimi Raikkonen- Ferrari (2008)- 1.45.599
Winners from last 5 Singapore Grand Prix:
2009- Lewis Hamilton,
2010-Fernando Alonso
2011-Sebastian Vettel
2012-Sebastian Vettel
2013- Sebastian Vettel
My top 5 things to look out for this weekend
1.Weather/ Night- With the levels of humidity present, it will be a challenge for the drivers to stay cool under the conditions while also racing for the best position possible on the track. The conditions will test the drivers over the course of the weekend and could play a part in how they perform this weekend and will need high levels of concentration to achieve a solid result here.
2.Tyre management- With the Marina Bay circuit being the highest traction circuit on the calendar, tyre management will be crucial in order to be competitive around the circuit. With the demands of the Marina Bay circuit, the drivers will need to look after their tyres in order to do well this weekend in Singapore.
3.Safety Cars- The threat of a Safety Car in Singapore during the race this weekend is extremely high. We have seen over the past few seasons the Safety Car making an appearance after drivers have had contact with the barriers while trying to push the limits on the circuit. Will we see the Safety Car make an appearance this weekend?
4.Two hour limit- It is the longest race of the year and it is sometimes very tight for the Grand Prix to meet the two hour limit on hosting the race as set by the FIA. We have seen Singapore over the years just reaching an hour and 59 minutes to finish a race, even with the Safety Car making an appearance. Will this weekend see Singapore stick to the two hour limit?
5.Hamilton V Rosberg- With Hamilton winning at Monza after Rosberg made a mistake heading into the first corner while being in the lead, all eyes once again will be upon the pair as they battle for the championship. With both drivers having mixed records at Singapore, (with Hamilton winning in 2009 and Rosberg should have won in 2008 with the Williams team but crossed the white line on the pit lane exit and receiving a drive through penalty), both drivers will be keen to add a victory at Singapore to their careers and also to help their fight to clinch the title for themselves.
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 the BBC 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
BBC
Saturday (Qualifying Highlights) 5.00pm and 12.10pm Sunday (Race Highlights) 5.00pm
