Singapore – a bumpy challenge or a joy?

| Photographer Credit: Mark Thompson/Getty Images

The Singapore Grand Prix on the downtown Marina Bay Street Circuit was the first night race to be introduced into Formula One, and a dramatic setting under flood lights makes spectacular viewing. Great for the crowd, a challenge for drivers and no easy ride for team engineers.

“The bumpy nature of the track provides challenges for our race engineers, where getting the trade between ride performance and optimal delivery of aero load is a tricky compromise, “commented Tim Goss, Racing Bulls Chief Technical Officer. “For the drivers, the bumps, the humidity and the unforgiving concrete walls demand full concentration over a long race.

“In contrast to the two previous races, which featured long straights and low rear wing settings, we will utilise our maximum downforce rear wing. The VCARB 02 has worked well across a range of circuits and we approach Singapore with the confidence we have built from good recent performances, but not under-estimating the competitiveness of the field and the challenge ahead.”

Sparks fly behind Liam Lawson driving the (40) Scuderia AlphaTauri AT04 during practice ahead of the 2023 F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit – Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images

You’d think that Visa Cash App Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson felt the opposite and it will be an enjoyable ‘ride’.

“When I was a kid, the Marina Bay Street Circuit was the track that I raced most in the F1 game, so it quickly became one of my favourite races of the year,” said Lawson. “Singapore (2023) was also my third Grand Prix and first points in Formula One, so it always brings back great memories. It’s such a beautiful place, but also very humid and hot, so I expect it to be tough. However, I’m very excited to return this weekend.”

Benjamin Carrell is a freelance motorsport writer and currently edits talkmotorsport.co.nz. He writes for a number of Kiwi drivers and motorsport clubs. That's when he's not working in his horticultural day-job or training for the next road or mtb cycle race!

https://talkmotorsport.co.nz

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