Singapore: The TV Program
The Formula 1 World Championship stops in Singapore this weekend after an emotion-filled Italian Grand Prix. As usual, Motors Inside offers you a look at the important data of the race and the complete TV schedule.
In 2008, the Marina Bay circuit made its debut on the Formula 1 scene, thanks to the efforts of Bernie Ecclestone, president of the Formula One Group (FOA), and with the approval of Singaporean authorities. The initial circuit plan by Herman Tilke was refined by KBR Inc., and the Grand Prix quickly became one of the standout events on the calendar.
That same year, Singapore had the honor of hosting the first night race in F1 history. The Grand Prix was a great success with the teams, drivers, and fans, while Fernando Alonso claimed a controversial victory driving his Renault. Indeed, Flavio Briatore, the Team Principal of the team, had ordered Nelson Piquet Jr. to deliberately crash his car to bring out the safety car and thus favor the victory of his Spanish teammate. This “crashgate” was revealed a year later, leading to Briatore’s departure from the F1 world.
A circuit with a length of 5.062 km, it is one of the most demanding on the calendar. Indeed, its bumpy surface and wet conditions are quite challenging for the drivers. With 23 turns, it requires a lot of concentration and the physical effort can cause drivers to lose up to 4 kg.
It also offers some unique features with turn 18, which sees drivers pass under a grandstand. This night race is made possible by artificial lighting consisting of approximately 1500 lamps of 2000 watts erected around the circuit to ensure optimal lighting conditions.
The Grand Prix will remain on the calendar at least until 2021, as the race organizers signed a contract extension with Formula 1 in January 2017. The previous contract extension was signed in 2012 and lasted until 2017. Since 2008, each edition has triggered a safety car deployment, totaling 18 deployments.
As with every Grand Prix this season, it is the Canal+ group that broadcasts the entire event from Friday’s free practice sessions to Sunday’s race. Note that this weekend, the broadcast is split between Canal+ Décalé for Friday and Saturday’s free practice sessions, as well as the qualifications, and Canal+ for the race.
All sessions and the race can also be followed on F1 TV, Formula 1’s streaming service, live and on-demand.
Track length: 5.065 Km
Number of laps in the race: 61
Track record: 1:36.015 (Lewis Hamilton, 2018)
Record holder for victories: Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel (4), Mercedes (4)
Record holder for pole positions: Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel (4), Ferrari (4)
The TV program:
