945 replies to this topic

[TomNokoe]

In 1957, Frank Sinatra famously sang, "If you can use some exotic booze, there's a bar in far BombayMarina Bay, come on fly with me, we'll fly, we'll fly away". He was, of course, predicting the independence of Singapore, some 8 years later ...

 

Yes, after a European interlude, Formula 1 is going Back to the Flyaways. The season begins its final third at the home of the original night race. The toughest grand prix on the calendar.

 

With scores to settle, reputations to salvage, dominance to reassert, and battles from the top of the grid to the very bottom. They do say good races come in sevens ...

 

Welcome to Round 15 of the 2019 FIA Formula One World Championship (the build-up, practice and qualifying)

 

Circuit
Third DRS zone added between T13 and T14

 

(I would have embedded Hamilton's regular onboard, but the youtube audio/video is out of sync. If you want to watch last year's pole lap, you can do so here)

 

Team-by-team

Having won only 2 of the last 6 races, this is Mercedes’ joint second-worst run of the hybrid era (I think). However, they approach Singapore with renewed confidence. A circuit tailor-made for their 2019 car and the scene of tremendous highs in recent years. Did somebody say cooling issues? Weekend favourites.

 

After capitalising on their strengths, Ferrari must now face their weaknesses. Aero upgrades are rumoured to help solve the plague of slow corners, but will it be enough? A circuit that has betrayed Vettel in recent years must now come to his aid. Leclerc will be high on confidence and ready to right the wrongs of his Monaco shambles. Stranger things have happened under the lights.

 

Red Bull are ready to take the fight to Mercedes again, after an anonymous return from the summer break. Verstappen has his sights trained on a third win of the year. Albon may start to feel the weight of expectation at a circuit where the team expect results. Both drivers are penalty-free and using the new Honda PU. Can Albon surprise at a circuit he's never raced?

 

McLaren's grasp on 4th in the constructors has taken an almighty blow. Two strong, but unrewarded, drives in Spa and Monza have left them looking over their shoulder. Their "all-rounder" chassis should fare better this weekend. This is the scene of Sainz best result in F1 (P4, 2017). McLaren will hoping for similar fortune to steady the ship.

 

Conversely, Renault's season has been given new impetus after Enstone's biggest points haul since Japan 2013 (I think). After an inconsistent European leg, they will need a string of clean weekends to take the fight to McLaren. Ricciardo’s yo-yo season has taken a positive turn, he'll be hoping for more of the same at a circuit he's never truly been able to master.

 

Toro Rosso have gone from strength to strength since Kvyat's podium in Germany. Aero and PU upgrades have catapulted them up the competitive order. Reliability robbed them of another strong result in Monza. They always seem to perform at street tracks and are definitely ones to watch. Both drivers should be free from grid penalties.

 

Racing Point arrive with another substantial upgrade as they aim to finish the season with the fourth fastest car. Recent low-downforce circuits have seen an upturn in form after only 2 points scores from Spain to Hungary. The effects of the 2018 takeover now seem to be taking shape. Just how much of an impact will the upgrades have? Perez is back on form after a very poor run before the break.

 

Alfa Romeo will look back at crashes, incident and missed opportunities in recent races. They struggled early in the season at the similar layout of Monaco, but have made huge strides since. The car has evolved into an all-rounder. Giovinazzi has struggled to match Kimi all season, but may be starting to find his feet.

 

Haas have dropped their title sponsor and may be on the verge of dropping a driver. A circuit that has never been kind to them is likely to exacerbate their Jekyll/Hyde tendancies.

 

Williams performed far better than expected in Monza, and come to Singapore dreaming of Q2. Their car is too draggy to compete at the majority of circuits, but you only have to look back to Hungary to see just how close they can push the midfield when they pile on the downforce. Another starring weekend for George Russell? He'll have to learn the track quickly. Despite Kubica's struggles, he's usually strong on street circuits.

 

Tyres

Surprisingly, each team's selection is much more aggressive than last year. A circuit reasonably hard on tyres, but usually offset by the difficulty to overtake. This suggests a one-stop, but I wouldn't be so sure.

 

Weather
Weekend - Dry, warm, and smoggy 28-30°C
 

Singapore’s air quality deteriorated to “unhealthy” levels on Saturday for the first time in three years, data from the National Environment Agency (NEA) showed ... The 24-hour Pollution Standards Index, which Singapore’s NEA uses as a benchmark, was in a range of 87-106 in the afternoon. A reading above 100 is considered unhealthy. This is the first time the 24-hour benchmark has breached 100 since August 2016. Reuters

(Weather .gif)

Spoiler

 

Standings

 

--

Assorted Sinatra gags, Liberty Media schedule questions, smog warnings and weekend predictions welcome below ...

 

(hopefully this thread doesn't reach 38 pages !!)

 

Edited by TomNokoe, 18 September 2019 - 15:56.

[TomNokoe]

Weekend schedule

This has been posted separately because Singapore GP timing is slightly different to other grand prix.
You have been warned, etc ...

FP1 0930 BST / 1030 CEST (30 minutes earlier than "standard Liberty timing")
FP2 1330 / 1430 (30 minutes earlier)
FP3 1100 / 1200 (no change)
Q 1400 / 1500 (no change)
R 1310 / 1410 (60 minutes earlier - similar to Bernie era)

Other timezones may apply

Edited by TomNokoe, 17 September 2019 - 19:42.

[milestone 11]

Lewis sez,
Don't you know, little fool
You never can win
Use your mentality
Wake up to reality

Edited by milestone 11, 17 September 2019 - 18:17.

[jannyg]

Nice summary on each team

[Anja]

I probably said the same thing last year already but I always look forward to this one. A proper modern classic with its own character and challenge. 

[Marklar]

I wanted Liberty Standard Time this weekend

[SophieB]

[Atreiu]

1st lap carnage, mid-race shower, 13 DNFs, instant classic.

 

I'll settle for that.

[Lights]

1st lap carnage, mid-race shower, 13 DNFs, instant classic.

I'll settle for that.

Sure I'll take a podium of Ricciardo Albon & Sainz with extra fries please.

[A3]

[HeadFirst]

Sure I'll take a podium of Ricciardo Albon & Sainz with extra fries please.

 

I'll take a podium of Grosjean, Stroll, and Norris, with a side of Albon on the pole.

[Garndell]

So who is taking bets on who Seb will take out at the start this year?

[davidlan]

However, they approach Singapore with renewed confidence. A circuit tailor-made for their 2019 car

 

What Tailor maid for Mercedes???

This track has been marked as their worst track for the last 5 years.

 

Still last year was fun if not a fluke and who knows what this year will bring.

Dave

[Ev0d3vil]

Took this at the track last night, will be going for the Thursday pit walk again as usual !

 

[Ev0d3vil]

More photos from different angles, before the weekend officially starts.

 

[ANF]

Is that a typo? Or am I meant to say something to boost brand awareness or whatever.

Edited by ANF, 17 September 2019 - 23:24.

[Ev0d3vil]

Is that a typo? Or am I meant to say something to boost brand awareness or whatever.

You mean “SINGAPORL” ? Probably painting not done yet.

[GoldenColt]

However, they approach Singapore with renewed confidence. A circuit tailor-made for their 2019 car

 

What Tailor maid for Mercedes???

This track has been marked as their worst track for the last 5 years.

 

Still last year was fun if not a fluke and who knows what this year will bring.

Dave

The W10 has a different set of strengths and weaknesses than the previous two cars. I can see them being the car to beat this weekend, but never count out RB and Max Verstappen.

[Jazza]

And how is the air quality at the moment? I remember a few years ago talk of the race being possibly canceled because of the Indonesian fires. Seems the same issue is at play this week.

[A3]

Took this at the track last night, will be going for the Thursday pit walk again as usual !

Sweet. How did you take those? Drone, jetpack or old fashioned helicopter?

[CoolBreeze]

Probably the worst track on the grid. Straights with 90 degree turn. Interesting to see how the haze will affect the race as well. 

[Risil]

What's the over-under for passes on-track between here and Indycars at Laguna Seca?

[ConsiderAndGo]

Probably the worst track on the grid. Straights with 90 degree turn. Interesting to see how the haze will affect the race as well. 

[NixxxoN]

 

I agree with that. Boring urban track which is hard to overtake and has not even glamour or beauty unlike Monaco. A "money GP" that should be dumped

Edited by NixxxoN, 18 September 2019 - 08:44.

[Pimpwerx]

Probably the worst track on the grid. Straights with 90 degree turn. Interesting to see how the haze will affect the race as well. 

Monaco called, and said they're expressing mailing a beer for you to hold for them.

 

The Indonesian fires are supposedly really bad this year. I'm in Krabi, and while we're close to Malaysia, there's no haze here. It's just raining everyday, so cloudy. I think the smoke might keep ambient temps easily manageable for the Mercs.

[A3]

Probably the worst track on the grid. Straights with 90 degree turn.

You need to check up on your measuring abilities.

[dissident]

I like the track, one of those places where a driver can really shine (see Lewis' pole last year, Massa in 2008, etc.)

[Ev0d3vil]

Sweet. How did you take those? Drone, jetpack or old fashioned helicopter?

Drone!

[TomNokoe]

I agree with other posters that Singapore has positioned itself as a staple of the calendar. It's kind of like a modern-era Monaco, in that the cars don't look too out of place.

It feels like a good old fashioned race-track, too:

• Proper track evolution through the weekend
• Drivers are punished for mistakes
• There is an element of mechanical sympathy / reliability
• The only GP of the year that can be considered "endurance"
• Tyre compounds often have notable steps in performance and degradation

So many current circuits are devoid of the above characteristics. You really have to go out and win Singapore, instead of just turning up.

Edited by TomNokoe, 18 September 2019 - 10:35.

[Ev0d3vil]

And how is the air quality at the moment? I remember a few years ago talk of the race being possibly canceled because of the Indonesian fires. Seems the same issue is at play this week.

Air is kinda crap atm. Was very hazy in the morning at my place in the west, hope it gets better during the weekend. And praying for rain.

[monolulu]

Last year someone, possibly Lewis, described it as Monaco on steroids!

[statman]

third DRS zone added:

 

https://www.autospor...pore-grand-prix

[balmybaldwin]

While I'm sure if you are actually there it would seem very atmospheric, unfortunately on TV it always stikes me as bland and soulless I think mainly because of the lights and shadows.  It always seems underpopulated in terms of fans.

 

Track is pretty decent though, but I'm not a fan of the "island" apexes made of curbs.

 

 

I wonder who's going to have their car conk out due to subway issues this year?

[SenorSjon]

While I'm sure if you are actually there it would seem very atmospheric, unfortunately on TV it always stikes me as bland and soulless I think mainly because of the lights and shadows.  It always seems underpopulated in terms of fans.

 

Track is pretty decent though, but I'm not a fan of the "island" apexes made of curbs.

 

 

I wonder who's going to have their car conk out due to subway issues this year?

 

Not to mention you hardly have a clue where a driver is on track when switching the feed towards one.

[Marklar]

Is it just me or are the Cyril and Horner always in the same Press Conference

[Ev0d3vil]

 

 

Got really close to the RB cars last year during Thursday's pit lane walk! heading down again this year tomorrow ! Kudos to the RB marketing people.

[SophieB]

 

I wonder who's going to have their car conk out due to subway issues this year?

 

Has the subway thing every been properly confirmed as real? Because that is one of the more startling things to apparently affect racing.

[Ev0d3vil]

Has the subway thing every been properly confirmed as real? Because that is one of the more startling things to apparently affect racing.

 

There's a subway line running under parts of the track, but I don't think it has affected the cars lately, since the hybrid era?

Edited by Ev0d3vil, 18 September 2019 - 12:28.

[SophieB]

I never really understood exactly how it ever managed to screw up the electronics in the first place (if it did), so don't know?

[krapmeister]

Pretty sure the subway thing only 'happened' once. And of course, it happened to Mark Webber...

[Marklar]

Five domed kerb sections 50mm high have been installed approximately 1.5m from the track edge behind the exit of Turn 7.

 

The entire pitlane working lane has been ground back and resurfaced.

 

 

The track has been resurfaced extensively, in various sections all around the circuit. 

(pics by Fabrega)

[BuddyHolly]

I'll admit I'm not fan of this track at all but it does give us some interesting incidents from time to time.

 

What corner will Sebby boy spin at this time? We should start a poll

[Atreiu]

Probably the worst track on the grid. Straights with 90 degree turn. Interesting to see how the haze will affect the race as well. 

 

I love it.

It feel as it's an 80s street circuit which has survived the years and remains on the calendar.

Edited by Atreiu, 18 September 2019 - 14:02.

[CoolBreeze]

Monaco called, and said they're expressing mailing a beer for you to hold for them.

 

The Indonesian fires are supposedly really bad this year. I'm in Krabi, and while we're close to Malaysia, there's no haze here. It's just raining everyday, so cloudy. I think the smoke might keep ambient temps easily manageable for the Mercs.

 

The current F1 cars might have outgrown Monaco, but Monaco, alongside Hungararoring, have one of the best flow. You can just drive on and on and on. 

 

Singapore track is dead boring. Without the DRS, it will be a massive parade. There's hardly anything unique to remember this circuit about. The drivers find it physically hard, because of the heat. That's all. 

[ARTGP]

I'll admit I'm not fan of this track at all but it does give us some interesting incidents from time to time.

 

What corner will Sebby boy spin at this time? We should start a poll

 

You think it will be just one of them? 

 

-sorry, couldn't resist.

Edited by ARTGP, 18 September 2019 - 13:57.

[Bleu]

However, they approach Singapore with renewed confidence. A circuit tailor-made for their 2019 car

 

What Tailor maid for Mercedes???

This track has been marked as their worst track for the last 5 years.

 

Still last year was fun if not a fluke and who knows what this year will bring.

Dave

 

Looking at past five years, Mercedes should have been a giant favourite in Monza with four poles and five wins.

 

It's clear that the strongest/weakest circuits for Mercedes have taken a turnaround this year.

[TomNokoe]

A four-corner stretch of Singapore’s Marina Bay circuit could be altered for future races due to planned construction work in the city. Turns 16 to 19 pass around and beneath a temporary grandstand which overlooks a floating platform, ‘The Float @ Marina Bay’, which is used for the country’s National Day Parade. The Float is due to be demolished in January 2022 and replaced with a new structure, NS Square, by 2025, according to The Straits Times.

 

[SenorSjon]

Is it just me or are the Cyril and Horner always in the same Press Conference

 

Billions in the sport and yet they struggle with Word formatting tables.

 

 

Looks better and skips an useless part. I wonder if the runoff will extent towards the straight.

[Goron3]

From the moment they announced the circuit layout all those years ago, this is how I wanted it to look. This version will have much better flow and should result in less field spread.

[PayasYouRace]

I agree. That would be a better layout, providing an extra overtaking opportunity, raising the average speed and cutting out that silly section with Nelsinho Piquet corner.