The changes in Singapore’s track layout result in a 10-second lap time gain
The layout of Singapore has changed this season. The circuit had a lot of turns and was known for its numerous braking/acceleration zones. The new layout is much shorter and faster.
The engineers’ predictions indicated that the Singapore 2023 track would be 9 to 10 seconds faster than in 2022. We should be well within that difference since, after the FP1 session and the best time of 1:33, we have already gained 9 seconds. According to our estimations, in dry conditions, the pole time should be below 1:31.
The drivers in their first lap of Free Practice 1 were already below a minute and forty seconds, which is three seconds faster than the best time from FP1 in 2022. In 2022, during Free Practice 2, the best time was set at 1:42.587. FP3 and qualifying took place in the rain, so it is impossible to know the absolute best time of the track in “modern” aero configuration.
Nevertheless, with already 7 seconds improvement in FP1, one can easily imagine that the 2023 race cars will reach the estimated 10-second mark as projected by the engineers.
The modifications to the Singapore circuit
The Singapore circuit saw a reduction of 4 corners. Originally measuring 5.063 kilometers, the 2023 layout is now 123 meters shorter, spanning 4.940 kilometers. Corners 16, 17, 18, and 19 from 2022 have been completely eliminated to create a straight path between corner 16 and 19, effectively extending the main straight of the final sector.
It is the passage under the grandstand that has thus been removed. A place where many accidents have occurred. Since the creation of the track in 2008, every Singapore Grand Prix has seen the entry of the safety car. Perhaps this modification will also make the track less dangerous.
