Singapore – Presentation: Don’t Get Burned Under the Spotlight
Last season, Sebastian Vettel shot himself in the foot in the championship at the start of the Singapore Grand Prix. This year, he is already 30 points behind Lewis Hamilton, so the German must keep his cool to stay in the race for the title. Mercedes expects to suffer in Singapore but beware of the race strategy on Sunday.
« I learned to love the challenge that Singapore represents. For me, the first time I raced here in 2011 was one of the worst races I’ve participated in. Physically, it was very intense, and I had underestimated how intense it would be. I was not happy at all after the race, and I was left with a feeling that I never want to have again in a car. So, I promised myself that I would always arrive over-prepared for Singapore. »
The Singapore Grand Prix is the most feared by drivers because it is the most physically demanding. Heat and humidity are a dangerous mix for the human body, and since its official addition to the calendar in 2008, drivers have been taking on the challenge. The first experience is rarely successful, especially in such tough conditions, as Daniel Ricciardo readily admits.
From Friday, four drivers will be experiencing the Marina Bay circuit over an entire race weekend. Toro Rosso teammates Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley, as well as Charles Leclerc and Sergei Sirotkin, will be taking on this challenge, hoping for each that it won’t come with pain and at the cost of a few carbon elements.
The tour of the owner
It isn’t our first #F1NightRace, but it is the first time we’re running at #Fit4F1 Hyper Pink speeds. #SingaporeGP https://t.co/GxdZnXmCpz pic.twitter.com/Htopsewewo
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) 10 septembre 2018
For posterity
🛫
Kamui Kobayashi *flies* into the barriers back in 2011#SingaporeGP 🇸🇬 #F1 pic.twitter.com/NRU5LCftcq
— Formula 1 (@F1) 11 septembre 2018
Tarmac and mistral
Here are the dancing shoes we’re packing for the #F1NightRace! #SingaporeGP https://t.co/VxZo7uU4Fo pic.twitter.com/BZmVEPklLp
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) 4 septembre 2018
The hyper-soft tire makes its return this weekend and Mercedes doesn’t seem thrilled about it, unlike Ferrari. The approaches are completely different for the Constructors’ Championship rivals, with six sets for the Silver Arrows versus nine for the Prancing Horses. It’s worth noting that Red Bull’s choice is closer to that of Mercedes than to that of the Scuderia, similar to Williams. Notably, Renault and McLaren are the only teams that have opted for the same tire choices.
For several Grand Prix now, rain has not spared Formula 1, and it is possible that this will continue in Singapore. The first session, scheduled for 4:30 PM local time, will take place on a dry track with perceived temperatures around 33-34°C. The second session will also take place on a dry track in an atmosphere that remains heavy with nearly 80% humidity and perceived temperatures of 33°C.
Thunderstorms are forecasted for the early afternoon. They will wash the track a few hours before the final session and will hover near the spotlight for Free Practice 3. It will remain very hot with temperatures similar to the previous day. The qualifying sessions are not threatened and will take place under normal conditions.
Sunday evening remains uncertain. The race is expected to take place in dry track conditions, but the sky will be heavily overcast and rain showers cannot be ruled out, as in the 2017 edition.
TV program
