The Singapore Grand Prix held at the Marina Bay Street Circuit is a spectacle that enthralls motorsport fans. The combination of a breathtaking city backdrop, a challenging street circuit, and the electrifying night race atmosphere makes it a unique event on the Formula 1 calendar.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at each corner of the Singapore Grand Prix Marina Bay Street Circuit. We explore the speeds at which the F1 drivers approach each turn how they brake and the gears they utilize.
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Corner By Corner Analysis of the Singapore Grand Prix
Singapore Grand Prix – Sector 1
This sector starts with a long main straight that leads to Turn 1. This is a tight right-hander that is one of the best overtaking spots on the track.
The drivers have to brake hard from over 300 km/h to about 100 km/h. They have to avoid any contact with other cars or the barriers.
They then accelerate out of Turn 2 and into Turn 3. This is a sweeping left-hander that leads to a series of high-speed corners.
The drivers have to balance speed and grip as they navigate Turns 4 to 8. They speed through at over 200 km/h. They then brake again for Turn 9, a sharp left-hander that marks the end of the sector.
Singapore Grand Prix Turn 1 – Marina Bay
The lights go out, the drivers sprint down the long straight leading into Turn 1, known as Marina Bay. At speeds of over 300 km/h (186 mph), they approach this right-hand corner with utmost precision.
The deceleration is intense as they downshift to second gear, ensuring optimal control as they navigate the tight 90-degree bend.
The drivers use the inside curbing to maximize the apex and minimize their exit distance. Accelerating out of Turn 1, they swiftly shift through the gears. They reach around 200 km/h (124 mph) before approaching the next challenge.
Singapore Grand Prix Turn 2 – Esplanade
Following the exit of Turn 1, the drivers tackle Turn 2, known as Esplanade. This left-hand corner requires quick reflexes and razor-sharp concentration.
Approaching at approximately 200 km/h (124 mph), the drivers utilize third gear to maintain a steady pace through the bend.
The exit of Turn 2 demands precise throttle control to ensure the car remains balanced. They need to prepare for the upcoming sequence of turns.
Singapore Grand Prix Turns 3 and 4 – The Anderson Bridge Chicane
The Anderson Bridge Chicane, comprising Turns 3 and 4, presents a technical challenge to the drivers.
They approach this sequence at around 250 km/h (155 mph). They apply the brakes hard and drop down to second gear as they negotiate a sharp right-left-right combination.
The drivers aim to take a wide entry into Turn 3. This sets up a tight line through the chicane, optimizing their exit speed onto the next straight.
Turn 5 – The Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling (turn 5) is a tricky left-hand corner that tests the drivers’ car control and precision.
Approaching at approximately 250 km/h (155 mph), they downshift to third gear. They aim to hit the apex precisely and carry good speed through the bend.
The exit of Turn 5 is crucial, as it sets them up for the longest straight on the circuit.
Singapore Grand Prix – Sector 2
Sector two starts with a long straight that leads to Turn 10. ta tricky right-hander that is also known as the “Singapore Sling”. The drivers have to slow down from over 280 km/h to about 140 km/h., while avoiding the Kerbs and the bumps that can unsettle the car.
Turns 6 and 7 – Memorial
After the Singapore Sling, the drivers face the Memorial sequence, consisting of Turns 6 and 7. They approach this chicane at around 290 km/h (180 mph) before engaging the brakes and downshifting to second gear.
The quick direction changes demand finesse and composure to maintain balance. The exit of Turn 7 is particularly vital, as it leads into the challenging Turn 8.
Turn 8 – The Singapore Sling II
Turn 8 is a high-speed left-hand corner that follows the Memorial sequence. Approaching at speeds over 260 km/h (162 mph), the drivers shift down to third gear, aiming to hit the apex precisely.
This corner subjects the drivers to high lateral G-forces, reaching up to 4 G, as they navigate the demanding turn. It requires a delicate balance between carrying enough speed through the corner while maintaining control and stability.
Turns 9 and 10 – The Singapore Sling III
The Singapore Sling III, comprising Turns 9 and 10, presents another challenging chicane. Approaching at speeds of around 250 km/h (155 mph), the drivers brake hard and downshift to second gear as they enter Turn 9.
They aim to hug the inside curbing, carrying as much speed as possible into Turn 10.
Turn ten is a left-hand turn at 150 km/h (93 mph).
Turn 11 – Fullerton
Drivers turn right at turn eleven, and kink left slightly on entry, with the track shifting to the left-hand side of Fullerton Road.
Turn 12 – Anderson Bridge
Drivers use the other side of the Anderson Bridge at 190 km/h (120 mph).
Turn 13 – Fullerton Hotel
Turn 13 (in front of Fullerton Hotel) allows overtaking opportunities with braking to 67 km/h (42 mph).
Shifting down to third gear, the drivers carefully navigate the first apex, ensuring they maintain good momentum for the second apex.
The car is now at Esplanade Bridge (where the third DRS zone is located) crossing the Singapore river, building up speed to 290 km/h (180 mph).
Singapore Grand Prix – Sector 3
This sector starts with a long straight that leads to Turn 18, a right-hander that goes under the Esplanade Bridge and around the Singapore Flyer.
The drivers have to brake from over 300 km/h to about 120 km/h. They have to deal with the change of light and surface.
Turn 14 and 15
Turn 14 almost meets turn eight, diverting to the right at 90 km/h (56 mph) onto the Raffles Avenue. Following a reprofiling before the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix this is a long straight on Raffles Avenue
Turn 16 and 17
They then face another a massive braking point for the slow right-hander at Turn 16, followed by a short straight that leads to Turn 17, a fast left-hander that marks the end of the sector.
How fast the cars approach turn 18 is determined by the exit of turn 17, therefore most of the drivers exit turn 17 very close to the wall to gain a speed advantage.
Turn 18 and 19 – Singapore Flyer
Running down towards turn 18 passes the 165 m (541 ft) tall Singapore Flyer, where turns 18 and 19 are taken flat-out at about 180 km/h (110 mph) before picking up the throttle again towards the pit straight across the finish line.
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G-forces at the Singapore GP
The Singapore Grand Prix subjects F1 drivers to immense G-forces throughout the race. The combination of the circuit’s numerous corners and high-speed sections puts significant strain on their bodies. The drivers experience both lateral and longitudinal G-forces.
During high-speed corners like Turn 8, the drivers are subjected to lateral G-forces that can reach up to 4 Gs. This means their bodies feel a force four times their body weight pushing them to the side. These forces demand exceptional physical conditioning and core strength to withstand the intense pressures.
Additionally, the acceleration and deceleration forces experienced during braking and accelerating further contribute to the physical strain on the drivers’ bodies. The rapid changes in speed and direction put immense stress on their neck muscles, as they constantly brace themselves against the forces acting upon them.
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Conclusion
The Singapore F1 Marina Bay Street Circuit is a thrilling challenge for Formula 1 drivers. Each corner demands precision, skill, and mental focus to navigate at high speeds.
From the blistering speeds of the Marina Bay straight to the technical chicanes and demanding apexes, the drivers showcase their exceptional talent on this remarkable street circuit.
The combination of the breathtaking cityscape, the nighttime atmosphere, and the incredible G-forces makes the Singapore Grand Prix a standout event on the F1 calendar.
