From this moment on, F1 will not compete in Europe. The streak of European grand prix is finished. All races, therefore, will take place outside the borders of the EU. The next one on the program is precisely the one a Singapore. The Asian route, from this year, will be subject to changes which will eliminate the area from turn 14 to turn 20. The cars will no longer pass under the famous one tunnel, but they will travel a short straight (without DRS) which will take them to the new turn 16. After the latter, the track will return to the same as always, with the chicane before the last lap.
The reasons for the changes: less stress on brakes and tires
The reasons for these changes to the circuit Marina Bay are variable. One of these concerns i jobs that they are continuing for modernize the runway. Furthermore, it will make the ride faster, thus making strategies via Virtual Safety Car o Less powerful Safety Cars. Last reason, but not least, concerns the stress applied to brakes and tires. The circuit has always been well known for a very high degradation; the drivers, for example, always reached the end of the qualifying lap no more rubber. By reducing these low-speed zones with very demanding braking, all teams have will benefit.
The words of many: from Aston to Williams, passing through Ocon
With changes like that, teams can only be satisfied. In an interview with Motorsport.com, the performance director of Aston Martin Tom McCullough confirmed that in Singapore there will be a benefit on tires and brakes, but it will probably remain with very heavy hind wings: “I think it will be much simpler on the tire side, given that the most demanding braking and traction areas have been removed. Normally what happened on the old layout was that, at the end of the lap, especially the rears were overheated. What all this will allow us to do is cool the tires better to have them in better condition for the final corners. Probably, however, maximum downforce configurations will be maintained given the configuration of the circuit".
The head of performance also confirmed everything WilliamsDave Robson. From his point of view, this will be the case for the FW45 a point in favor, given the very high top speeds registered by the English car. In general, however, the path will always remain unchanged high load.
The pilots' point of view was expressed by Esteban Ocon, which he defined excellent the changes, specifying that in his opinion there will be more overtaking opportunities: “This was really good news. On a circuit where it's not necessarily great to drive, seeing changes is really nice. I strongly believe that it will help with overtaking, which was impossible to do before. I'm really confident that it will be possible to stick to the car in front, and this will change a lot of things.". Everything is ready, therefore, for this Singapore Grand Prix, with lots of expectations from the entire paddock.
ARTICLE BY FRANCESCO ORLANDO
