Formula 1 travels to the brightly-lit streets of Marina Bay in Singapore for its only true night race. This street circuit has the unique distinction of having more turns than any other circuit on the F1 calendar, 23, and a 100% probability [to-date] of a safety car deployment. It is also known for hot and humid weather conditions that challenge both man and machine. For 2019 a new, third, DRS zone has been added between turns 13 and 14.
For weeks the Red Bull teams have been strategically targeting this race as a chance for a good result because it’s well-suited to the characteristics of their car. Red Bull will not only be hoping for a podium, they aim to challenge for the win. With a little luck, Toro Rosso could see itself in a position for a double-points finish which would put all Honda-powered cars in the top ten.
Elsewhere on the grid, we can expect at least one Mercedes on the podium and with a chance of victory. Ferrari will come close and will be hoping that overheating issues plague Mercedes as they did earlier in the year. Next up we should expect a Renault to take best-of-the-rest honors but McLaren will be challenging them for that spot. Force India is expected to be stronger this weekend with some upgrades set to be fitted to the car. Expect an Alfa Romeo to be battling them fiercely. From there we have the ultimate wild card, Haas, which has been suffering with performance all year unless the extreme heat helps them with tire temp. One, if not both, Williams will be bringing up the rear.
US TV SCHEDULE:
Practice 1 – Friday, September 20 – 4.25AM – ESPN2
Practice 2 – Friday, September 20 – 8.25AM –
ESPNU
Practice 3 – Saturday, September 21 – 5.55AM – ESPN2
Qualifying – Saturday, September 21 – 8.55AM –
ESPNEWS
Pit-Lane Live – Sunday, September 22 – 7.30AM – ESPN3
On the Grid – Sunday, September 22 – 7.30AM – ESPN2
Race – Sunday, September 22 – 8.05AM – ESPN2
CIRCUIT INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 5.065km (3.147 miles)
Race laps: 61
Race distance: 308.828km (191.897 miles)
Pole position: Right-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’41.905 by Kevin Magnussen, 2018
Fastest lap: 1’36.015 by Lewis Hamilton, 2018
Maximum speed: 296kph (183.926 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Pit straight and straight to turn seven
Distance from grid to turn one: 200m
Car performance
Full throttle: 46%
Longest flat-out section: 832m
Downforce level: Maximum
Gear changes per lap: 80
Fuel use per lap: 1.6kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.064s
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop in 2013: 28.709s by McLaren
Tyre choices: Hard (C1), Medium (C2), Soft (C3) (2018: Soft, Ultrasoft, Hypersoft)
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2018 RESULTS
Stats
Pole position: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:36.015
Race laps: 61
Fast race lap: Kevin Magnussen, Haas, 1:41.905
Podium
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
3. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
CURRENT STANDINGS
Drivers
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 284
2. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 221
3. Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 185
4. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 182
5. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 169
6. Pierre Gasly, Toro Rosso, 65
7. Carlos Sainz, McLaren, 58
8. Daniel Ricciardo, Renault, 34
9. Alex Albon, Red Bull, 34
10. Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso, 33
Constructors
1. Mercedes, 505
2. Ferrari, 351
3. Red Bull, 266
4. McLaren, 83
5. Renault, 65
6. Toro Rosso, 51
7. Racing Point, 46
8. Alfa Romeo Racing, 34
9. Haas, 26
10. Williams, 1
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