Teams are in Singapore for the second night race of the Formula One season at Marina Bay. Last year’s event was cut one lap short due to the two hour time limit enforced by the FIA.
This circuit presents both a technical and physical challenge for the drivers. It’s a street circuit, so drivers can expect the narrow roads with unforgiving barriers. With 23 turns, Marina Bay is comparable to the Valencia Street Circuit in Spain, in that it has more turns than the average Formula One circuit. The circuit’s scorching temperatures present a physical challenge for the drivers, who are in their cars for just under two hours. Temperatures can reach well over 30° C.
A car with lots of downforce is required to perform well in Singapore, but a powerful engine with lots of acceleration is also a necessity for the high speed portions of the circuit. Since many of the high speed sections are followed by tight corners, brake wear will be a big thing to watch in this race. The field will most likely race closer together. Plus, with a safety car period almost certain to occur in the race, there is plenty of opportunities to catch up to the leaders.
Mercedes has performed rather poorly around the streets of Singapore this year. They dominated the first free practice session, but haven’t saw the top of the time charts since then. They are starting from fifth and sixth on the grid, meaning that we may see another team take victory for only the third time this season. Who will that be? Sebastian Vettel of course. His qualifying times were well above Daniel Ricciardo’s and starting from pole position will give him an advantage while he pilots his Ferrari to victory in Singapore. With three previous victories at this circuit, he has proven that he has the skill to win here. The only thing that could be an issue is driver error. Vettel likes to run his car very close to the barriers, coming within millimeters of a collision with the wall. This makes driver talent even more important, as any contact with the wall could result in a tyre puncture or even end a driver’s race.
Vettel’s teamamte, Kimi Räikkönen, is starting from third position. Räikkönen will most likely lose a position to Daniil Kvyat because his Ferrari will be stuck on the outside for the tight first corner, meaning that he could even be forced wide and have to cut the corner. After the start, Räikkönen should have a car capable of getting past both of the Red Bull cars. That would drop Daniel Ricciardo to the bottom step of the podium by the end of the race.
As for Ricciardo’s teammate, Daniil Kvyat, he may not even make it to the top five. He will be starting from fourth on the grid, but will have the lightning quick Silver Arrows directly behind him and both Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton will be doing everything in their power to get past him. Although he topped the time charts in the second free practice session, Kvyat hasn’t really shown that he is capable of holding off the Mercedes cars. When the challenge comes, it will most likely be the Mercedes cars that will beat him. In addition, a safety car period could play into Mercedes’ favour, giving them a chance to catch up to Kvyat if he gets too far ahead.
Singapore is one of those races that Formula One fans enjoy very much. It may be hot, but the spectators will still have a fantastic time. Best of luck to all of the drivers, especially Alexander Rossi who is running his first race. Hopefully we can get through all of the laps this year and won’t have to miss out on the final one.
