Formula One Special Edition: Cruising through the bumps and turns of Marina Bay Street Circuit
The only two years old street circuit of Singapore has already made a big place in the hearts and minds of race lovers around the world. Singapore has always been famous for its festivals; the ambiance of the place is simply unmatched, the celebrations and
flamboyance of all its events and occasions is always extraordinary, and so is its race weekend.
The Marina Bay Street Circuit, where Formula One Grand Prix takes place is a temporary circuit that lies enveloping the Marina Bay, a hub of business and leisure in Asia.
The street track snakes around the city for 5.073 km, which is a little longer than the Monaco track but much similar to it in features.
The contemporary track was originally designed by the German architect and designer Hermann Tilke; however, some modifications were brought to its original layout. The track that currently stands in place is the end product of Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR,
Inc), an American engineering and construction company.
The country was jubilant to embrace its first Grand Prix in the year 2008, which also marked first-ever night race in history of Formula One. The enchanting Marina Bay track illuminated and glowed under the flood of artificial lights, as the first rally
of Formula One cars marched across the virgin track.
The first race was held here on 28th of September 2008. Fernando Alonso, then racing for Renault was the first driver to have conquered the track in 1:57:16.304 sec while Nico Rosberg in his Williams stood the runner-up of the day. The last year’s
race was won by Lewis Hamilton in McLaren, whereas Timo Glock stood on second place at the podium and Fernando Alonso in his Renault occupied the third.
Among the newly-built tracks, Marina Bay Circuit is the most exciting and adventurous, and the concept of night race that it has brought to Formula One has increased its fame and prominence instantly.
The layout of the track is unique and excitingly set. At many parts the spectators seem to stand so close that it feels that they could have touched the cars, had they not been so furiously fast. The pit area of the track is sited in an empty plot that lies
by the side of Singapore Flyer.
Before the track was to host its first race, a route-map was given which received heavy criticism by all the Formula One drivers for being extremely bumpy and brutal in nature. It is still widely believed that the circuit is one of the most unforgiving
and demanding arenas of Formula One calendar. The tough track becomes even more brutal under the hot and humid climate conditions of the country, and its unpredicted thunder storms.
In the 2008’s World Championship, Lewis Hamilton while describing the track proclaimed that this one is twice as hard as the legendary Monaco Circuit and requires great physical strength, as it demands double energy over its one lap as contrast to the entire
Monte Carlo track.
Before the Formula One caravan enters to the arena for this weekend's race, some minor revisions have been brought to the circuit, in order to provide more safety and comfort to the drivers.
The Turn 3 and Turn 7 for which the drivers have always immensely complained for having severe bumps have been smoothed a bit, and also some resurfacing has been carried from Turn 14 to 19.
Also one centimetre lowering has been brought to the pit-lane from last year's event to provide a smoother transition to the drivers, as they re-enter the track.
Moreover, the Turn 10 'Singapore Sling', where Kimi Raikkonen had a crash in 2008, has been made a little mild as well.
Last but not the least, Singapore organisers have also put in extra effort to further decorate and brighten up the already colourful and vibrant run-off areas of the circuit.
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