The Virgin drivers are eager to race in Singapore

The Formula One Circus is heading to Singapore to race this weekend, and even though it will only be the fourth edition of the Grand Prix, the race has become one of the attractions of the season—especially because it is held at night. This event is eagerly anticipated by many drivers, especially the Virgin drivers.

It was in Singapore that Timo Glock achieved the best result of his career—a second place driving the Toyota in 2009. The German driver really appreciates the track and the atmosphere because the race and some of the practice sessions take place at night.

« It’s great to be back in Singapore where I finished second in 2009. The Singapore Grand Prix is clearly one of the highlights of the season and my favorite track on the calendar. It’s truly an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to get in the car and drive through the streets of Singapore at night. It’s really something fun! », Timo Glock shared.

His teammate, Jérôme d’Ambrosio, made his debut aboard a Formula 1 single-seater in Singapore last year, replacing Lucas di Grassi during the first free practice session. This was a turning point in his career, and he is eager to return to the grounds where he made his F1 debut with Virgin.

I have very fond memories of Singapore – it’s where the team gave me the chance, last year, to get into the car during Friday’s free practice for the first time. It was a very special moment – a key moment in my career. A year later, I return to Singapore as a Formula 1 driver and I have learned enormously in such a short time. It’s a very special circuit and very fun to drive at night, explains Jérôme d’Ambrosio.

The two drivers of the Russo-British team know, however, that they will not have an easy weekend because Singapore is a street circuit and properly setting up their car on such a track is not straightforward.

The Marina Bay circuit is very demanding. The fact that it is a city circuit makes it very difficult, but adding the fact that it’s a night race only amplifies the excitement. Setting up the car properly is challenging, as it is on any street circuit, so Friday should be a busy day. It’s a counterclockwise circuit and a stop-and-go track that requires a lot of downforce, and even though the average speed isn’t the highest, it’s really enjoyable to race there, explains the German driver.

And, like the rest of the field, Glock and d’Ambrosio will have to adapt to the specific conditions of Singapore – lighting via floodlights as well as high temperatures and strong humidity, which will put their bodies to the test, especially during the race on Sunday.

Visibility is not a problem thanks to the large number of floodlights illuminating the circuit, but it’s obviously not like driving in broad daylight. It’s a demanding and bumpy track, a bit like Monaco or any other urban layout. One of the biggest challenges will be the high temperatures and humidity, which make this race one of the most physically demanding of the entire season. Fortunately, we stick to European time for the weekend, staying awake at night and sleeping during the day, so we don’t have to worry about the effects of jet lag, the Belgian driver added.