Minor changes to the Singapore circuit announced
The Singapore circuit, on which Formula 1 drivers have been racing since 2008, will be modified for the 2015 edition. The main objective is sports-related: to drastically increase the number of overtakes.
This is not the first time the layout of the city-state has undergone changes. In fact, the turn number 10 of the Marina Bay circuit has already been modified several times. In 2011, it was necessary to remove the curbs, seen as too aggressive, and then in 2013, the chicane was removed in favor of a more ordinary turn.
Before the reception of the 2015 edition, which will, as always, be in September, it is the sequence of turns 11 to 13 that will be revised. A left-hand curve is thus added after the right-hand turn. Furthermore, the width is increased by one meter after the hairpin of turn 13.
The objective is obvious: to increase the number of overtakes and, consequently, make the Grand Prix more interesting. The words of the project manager, Jonathan Giesecke, attest to this: « It’s a great challenge to improve the streets of Marina Bay. I expect that the modifications to turns 11 to 13 will create new overtaking opportunities. »
Moreover, it is learned that this project also has a symbolic significance: to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Singapore, a new bridge, the Jubilee Bridge, will be incorporated into the circuit, allowing areas like the Esplanade Park and Empress Place to be vast spaces reserved for spectators. Colin Syn, the deputy director of the promoter, stated: This is a win-win situation where the development of a new district dedicated to arts, culture, and entertainment offers an enhanced experience but also a closer race for the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix. We are proud that our event is the best on the calendar. This will add excitement beyond the off-track entertainment planned between September 18 and 20, which already includes Pharrell Williams, Maroon 5, and Bon Jovi.
