Singapore circuit spruced up for Grand Prix
With only a few days to go before the Singapore Grand Prix hits the Marina Bay Street Circuit, track organizers have tweaked the course with some vital safety improvements and embellished its overall appearance.
The track’s iconic “Singapore Sling,” has been re-engineered with re-profiled kerbs so that the turn is less abrupt, in light of several complaints issued by drivers and analysts alike. The perilous S-shaped
tenth turn, which is typically executed at 135km per hour, caused Kimi Raikkonen of Finland to crash out of the race in 2008.
Repairs to the asphalt have also taken place to remedy some of the more severe bumps, and the track has been resurfaced between Turns 3 and 7, as well as between 14 and 19. The pit lane has been modified
to a lower level by one centimetre, a subtle adjustment which will allow the cars to enter the facility with greater ease.
But the circuit has not only been muscled up for the approaching Grand Prix. To merge the festive vibrancy of the surrounding cityscape and waterfront, organizers have livened up the track walls with fresh
coats of paint.
The Marina Bay Street Circuit was introduced into the Formula One calendar in 2008, and has since become one of the most symbolic tracks of the F1 calendar, as well as a favourite among fans and drivers.
The 5.073km counter-clockwise circuit covers a race distance of 309.316km in 61 laps, and reaches speeds of up to 298km per hour. Featuring deadly corners such as the Singapore Sling and daring straights, the track resembles other twisting circuits such as
the legendary Monaco and Hungaroring.
F1’s only night-race, the track exhibits a kind of poetic energy that illuminates the evening. “As a night race, Singapore is an unforgettable event,” Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel praises. “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.”
The Singapore Grand Prix takes place on September 26.
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