Singapore Grand Prix builds anticipation
With the Singapore Grand Prix just around the corner, teams and drivers are revving up for the crucial 15th race of the 2010 Formula One season. And in a year of racing which has been unpredictable, unnerving,
and exceptionally exciting, the event is expected to have all the makings of an epic F1 battle.
Five contenders all stand within a hair’s breadth of the title. Red Bull’s Mark Webber currently leads the driver’s championship in virtue of four victories and several podium finishes, while team-mate
Sebastian Vettel is struggling to turn his virtuosic qualifying skills into race-winning calibre under pressure. Reigning world champion Jenson Button of McLaren is only slightly overshadowed by his daring and aggressive team-mate, 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton,
and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso is hoping to continue the momentum from his dramatic victory at Monza onto the Singapore circuit.
One of the closest seasons in F1 history, McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh hails this year as “epic,” and is gearing his team up for the Singapore showdown. “This is a race the whole team looks forward to
enormously,” he observed, according to autosport.com. “We travel to Singapore with a number of new ideas to try out on our cars, feeling positive that we'll once again be in a position to race at the front.”
Whitmarsh then commented on the technical aspects of the track. “It's the first race at a low-speed, high-downforce track since the Hungaroring back in August.”
Exhibiting a unique and powerful aura, the Singapore Grand Prix carries somewhat of a romantic resonance with it, with the race taking place in late evening and into the night with the vibrant Singaporean
cityscape in the background.
“As a night race, Singapore is an unforgettable event,” described Sebastian Vettel, according to formula1.com. “The circuit has 23 corners so it’s extremely important for the driver to find a good rhythm
without touching the barriers. Besides that, this circuit is hard on the brakes and it has a lot of kerbs; the resulting bumpiness demands extreme concentration from the driver. I think Singapore offers a great show for the Formula One fans; the cars come
across on the TV like they’re in a computer game and the scenery is amazing.”
As for others, Singapore’s famous night ride will be a first-time event. “I have always been fond of getting to know new circuits and Singapore will definitely be an exciting adventure,” stated Mercedes’
Michael Schumacher. “I have three reasons to look forward to the weekend; it is a new circuit for me, it is a city race and it will be my first night race." The counter-clockwise track is 5.073 km and boasts a race distance of 309.316 km in 61 laps.
Though racing fans and pundits will have their favourites, when the crowds flock to the brightly-lit grand-stands on 26 September, the looming suspense in the atmosphere will be incredible. McLaren, Red
Bull, and Ferrari have vehicles which will handle each aspect of the track differently, as their technicians work around the clock to craft a balance between speed and stability. As for the drivers themselves, each carry a potential legacy on their shoulders
to fulfill, and they are well-aware of how much a vital impact this race will have on the rest of the season.
“I think it’ll give us a clearer idea of the destiny of the world championship,” stated an enthusiastic Button. “Personally, I think Singapore has quickly established itself as one of the best races on
the calendar, and I’m already really looking forward to the race.”
Marina Bay Street Circuit will light up its tracks from 24-26 September.
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