F1-Blog

Singapore Preview

Lets get back to writing, and straight on with the Singapore Preview.

Singapore is not only a new circuit, it’s being run at a new time as well. This is F1’s first night race, as Bernie wanted it to be run at a sensible time in Europe.

The track doesn’t stop with its challenges there either, this is also a street circuit adding that ‘closed in’ feel to the race as well.

So lets look at the prospects, the drivers have all said that the track is bumpy so cars that work well over the kerbs and bumps are at an advantage. That means that Ferrari and McLaren are still the front runners, and likely race winners.

However the Renault in Alonso’s hands has been quick in free practice on Friday, so could be a good outside bet for a podium place, and the title leaders will not want that. The title contenders will not want the Spanish driver to interfere considering how close the title race is now.

The Toyota team have had there issues here, Timo Glock lost his car in turn 7 towards the end of second practice, and Trulli was fined for running the wrong way around the course in first practice.

The Red Bull cars bring some aero tweaks to the front this race. They have started to run the ‘ears’ on the nose of the car, this is not for downforce however, it is to direct air flow towards the radiators and rear of the car. They have not shown there speed in free practice though, and could be disappointing here.

The Williams cars seem to be getting to grips here, and Nico is looking averagely quick around the track.

BMW are struggling with the bumps, both Robert and Nick have both had moments in free practice.

Strangely Honda have shown a little pace, and could make it into second qualifying, but will struggle to get into first.

Toro Rosso like it’s big brother has also failed to show pace, although the two Seb’s will be doing there damndest to show what they have. After all the car has been as, if not quicker than the Red Bull in the last few races.

So there you have it, an interesting race ahead I think. None of the drivers have complained about the lighting rigs, and all seem to like the track layout, it certainly looks good on the TV and in pictures

Have a look at the great Google Earth view of the track here.