Singapore Grand Prix – Predictions and presentation
Formula 1 is finally leaving Europe and heading to Singapore for the return of the fastest urban and night race on the calendar. Motors Inside presents the race to you and shares its predictions.
Three years after its last edition, Singapore is once again hosting the Formula 1 grand circus. This track, one of the favorites of the drivers, could be even more demanding this year than in the past.
A high-speed and nocturnal urban layout.
This circuit, inaugurated in 2008, is 5.073km long. In order to complete the required 305km, it will be necessary to complete 61 laps during the race this Sunday.
In order for Europeans to be able to watch the race at the same time as the races taking place in Europe, it was decided in 2008 to start the Grand Prix in the evening.
The technological challenge was to install over 1500 street lamps along these 5km.
Moreover, the Castellet circuit served as a full-scale test bed for a section of the track in order to validate various technological solutions currently being proposed in Singapore and even in other countries.
The last winner is Sebastian Vettel, in 2019 with Ferrari.
The fastest lap in the race is held by Kevin Magnussen in 1 minute 42.301 seconds, driving for Haas-Ferrari in 2019.
The circuit record is validated by Charles Leclerc in 1 minute 36.217 seconds on Ferrari, in 2019 as well, with an average speed of 189.43 km/h.
Tire strategy
The #SingaporeGP returns to the @F1 calendar, following its pandemic induced hiatus. Renowned as a physically demanding circuit, this is all you need to know about the Marina Bay Street Circuit: https://t.co/uS4ROG0gSf#F1 #Fit4F1 #Formula1 #Pirelli #Pirelli150 pic.twitter.com/GvlOjYgeyw
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) September 26, 2022
This track is littered with 90-degree turns preceded by long straight or fast curved lines.
Thus, the traction force of the tire will be put to the test, as well as their resistance to multiple strong, violent, and repeated brakings.
On the other hand, it is not a track that will cause premature wear under pressure. Asphalt is also not the most abrasive material.
In order to promote the dynamism of the numerous relaunches, Pirelli brings here its range of the softest compounds. The medium range in terms of hardness is therefore the C3 in white, followed by the medium yellow C4, and the softest will be the red C5.
Predictions from the editorial team
Red Bull has been riding high since the summer break. In a similar fashion to their end of the 2013 season, the Austrian company is fully capable of winning all the remaining races.
It’s only natural that Max Verstappen is the top favorite for the pole position / victory combo.
Behind, it’s much tighter, and if Charles Leclerc holds the line for second place, the last “accessit” is more heterogeneous in terms of votes.
In a neck-and-neck race, we find Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, and even Fernando Alonso.
Without a doubt, the heart of the peloton will know how to animate this race weekend.
