Now we're here: everything is ready for a new event F1. This weekend we run a circuit with history very recent, but at the same time a lot charming. We are talking about Singapore Grand Prix.
History was made in Marina Bay: the first night race here
Il Singapore Street Circuit it is a non-permanent city circuit created by the architect Hermann Tilke, who has drawn several circuits in the calendar. As with Monaco, the route winds through the areas most important in the city. What makes this track historic concerns the running at night. In fact, also to meet the European time zones, it was decided to hold the appointment in the evening hours. Everything is then accompanied by attractions near the circuit and games of lights. Overall, it is one of the best grand prix glamorous of the whole season.
Opened in 2008, is long 4940 meters and includes 19 curves. They have been assigned 3 DRS zones. The first on the main straight, the second between turns 5 and turn 7, and the third between turns 13 and turn 14.
The overall lap record belongs to Lewis Hamilton su Mercedes in 2018 qualifications, when he stopped the clock at 1'36 "015. The official track record is held by Kevin Magnussen, who in the race of the same edition stopped the time of 1'41 "905.
A lot of load and a lot of wear, with a look at the brakes too
The track has been modified several times over the years to make it safer and more drivable. For example, in the first ever edition, Hamilton had complained that he was Twice as tiring as Munich. For this reason, the FIA tries year after year to make the track better more linear. The latest change in fact occurred this year, with the removal of well four curves in the last sector, bringing the total of rounds from 23 a 19 and the number of turns from 61 a 62. This does not change the nature of the route, which was created for specific configurations very high load. The same rear wings that we saw in the Principality (unique in their large width) will be presented again this weekend.
Another critical issue will be theWear. Always, on this circuit, theundercut is very powerful. With a overcut, in fact, there is a risk of kill the rubber, given the conformation stop & go of the circuit. The drivers, in most cases, in their qualifying attempts, reach the end of the lap with no more performance in the tyre. Removing the areas where the traction was fundamental in the last sector it will allow the rubber to maintain a stable temperature. Therefore, strategies through Virtual Safety Car o Safety car they might turn out less efficient.
The brakes will also benefit from these changes. This component has always been put to the test on the Asian streets. This year, however, maintain a temperature balanced in the braking system it should be less complicated.
Perez for the redemption, Ferrari for the confirmation
The time for predictions has arrived, and who else? Max Verstappen he is the favorite to win the grand prix. The statistics speak for themselves: the Dutch he has never won in Singapore. SuperMax definitely wants to continue its winning streak bringing it to 11. In the background, however, we can glimpse a Mexican: Sergio Perez. We know his love for street circuits well, and who knows, maybe this season too repeat. It will be a track less congenial to the SF-23 compared to Monza. Ferrari at Marina Bay will have to defend itself from the onslaught of Mercedes ed Aston Martin, to confirm second force in this World Cup.
Article by Francesco Orlando
