The new Formula 1 single-seaters have already proven difficult to drive on some semi-permanent tracks, such as Montreal or Baku, earlier in the season. Despite the fact that part of the porpoising that weighed down the teams has already disappeared, it is expected to return at the next appointment on the calendar, at one of the most demanding circuits of the year, the Marina Bay in Singapore, which returns after three courses of absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s going to be very bumpy,” said Esteban Ocon before traveling to the event that opens the Asian tour. “A big challenge for us [drivers] very physical, I love Singapore but the track itself is not my favourite. It’s karts on curbs, it’s going to be tricky.”
“It’s not going to be fun, but we’re up for the challenge, and I think it’s going to be interesting as well to see who chooses what, in terms of set-up,” explained the Frenchman. “If you opt for the car that goes well, or the one that has grip.”
The Marina Bay circuit is one of the most demanding on the calendar, and the fact is that the drivers not only have to deal with physical exhaustion due to the high temperatures, the humidity and the time change at night, but they will also suffer from the nature of the place.
Asked if it could be the worst track of the year, he replied: “I think Canada has been pretty bad, although it’s possible it’s one of the worst, it always is, it’s not new.”
Mercedes believes that the Singapore track will be a little more suitable for the W13 than other places they have traveled to recently, but George Russell acknowledged that the circuit is full of potholes, something that could be a problem for the German team.
“I think on paper it should suit our car,” said the Briton. “But when we look at the street layouts in Monaco and Baku, our car doesn’t handle potholes very well.”
“So we’re not quite sure how it’s going to go, but we have to keep pushing, keep improving the car, and I’m happy we have a clear direction where we need to go now.”
Silver Arrows head coach Mike Elliott agreed that Singapore should be good for W13: “I think when you look at the learning we’ve done throughout the season, I think we expected Marina Bay It was a bit more like what we’ve seen in Hungary and Zandvoort.
“It’s a bumpy circuit that’s going to be quite a challenge, but in terms of the nature of the corners, we think it could be a bit better for our car, so hopefully we’ll have a good result there,” said the Mercedes driver. .
“As always, with all the pre-simulation work we have to do, we will maximize our learning in practice sessions and hopefully turn that into a strong result over the weekend,” Elliott said.
Do you want to read our news before anyone else and for free? Follow us here on our Telegram channel and you won’t miss a thing. All the information, at your fingertips!
