Singapore Grand Prix: High humidity close walls and a spectacular crash in 2017 - F1 News

F1 News - Singapore Grand Prix: High humidity, close walls and a spectacular crash in 2017

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There was a spectacular start to the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix as Ferrari pair Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen along with Red Bull's Max Verstappen crashed on the opening lap

A night race on the streets of Singapore is one of the most spectacular sights in the Formula 1 calendar - and last year's race provided one of the most dramatic moments of the season.

On a wet track and under the floodlights, Max Verstappen was sandwiched between the two Ferraris of Kimi Raikkonen to his left and Sebastian Vettel to his right, with all three coming together and all taken out at the very first corner.

Vettel had been on pole position and had only been behind championship leader Lewis Hamilton by three points before the collision - the first time ever both Ferraris had to retire on the opening lap.

Hamilton went on to win the race - Mercedes' third victory in four years - to take a stranglehold on the championship on his way to a fourth world title.

His team-mate Valtteri Bottas this week described the Singapore circuit as "super twisty where the walls are close so as a driver you cannot make any mistakes".

A Formula 1 race has been held in the country in every year since 2008 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, which is 5.07km long and one of the most physically demanding for the drivers.

The temperature often exceeds 30C and with 80% humidity, and race suits on, the drivers have to endure temperatures of about 50C in the cockpit.

Stoffel Vandoorne, who is set to leave McLaren at the end of the season, has described it as the 'Singapore Sauna', while Bottas said a driver can "lose three and a half kilos" during the race.

With Vettel needing a win to keep his hopes alive of denying Hamilton a fifth title, we could be all set for another thrilling weekend this weekend.

Who wins in Singapore?

The Singapore Grand Prix has been held every year since 2008 and Mercedes have won three of the past four races

The track

Drivers' social

Charles Leclerc said it was a "dream come true" to be driving for Ferrari in 2019...

... and paid tributes to his father and Jules Bianchi, who died in 2015...

...and vowed to end the 2018 season on a high note with Sauber

Stoffel Vandoorne prepared for the "Singapore Sauna" by going on a back ride

How to follow the Singapore Grand Prix

BBC Sport has live coverage of practice, qualifying and the race across BBC Radio 5 live and 5 live sports extra, plus live digital coverage on the BBC Sport website and app - including audience interaction, expert analysis, debate, voting, features, interviews and audio content.

All times BST and are subject to change.

Singapore Grand Prix coverage details
Date	Session	Time	Radio coverage	Online text commentary
Thursday, 13 September	Preview	19:30-20:00	BBC Radio 5 live
Friday, 14 September	First practice	09:25-11:05	BBC Radio 5 live sports extra	From 09:00
	Second practice	13:25-15:05	BBC Radio 5 live sports extra	From 13:00
Saturday, 15 September	Final practice	10:55-12:05	BBC Sport Online	From 10:30
	Qualifying	12:55-15:05	BBC Sport Online	From 13:30
Sunday, 16 September	Race	13:00-15:00	BBC Radio 5 live	From 12:00
Monday, 17 September	Review	04:30-05:00	BBC Radio 5 live

You can follow all the action and the latest news on the BBC Sport F1 page and via the BBC Sport app, and catch up with analysis and interviews with the BBC Radio 5 live Chequered Flag podcast.

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via BBC Sport - Formula 1 https://ift.tt/OHg7x6

September 12, 2018 at 01:33PM