02/02/2009
NEWS STORY
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Organizers of the Singapore Grand Prix have announced a number of changes to the street circuit aimed at improving the potential for overtaking - what with Bernie Ecclestone's medals proposal appearing to have been given the bum's rush.
Having consulted with the FIA, organizers are to make a number of changes to Turns 1, 13 and 14 in order to increase the potential for overtaking. In addition, the road surface will be improved at Turns 5, 6 and 7, along with a re-profiling of the pit-lane entrance and exit and the run-off area at Turn 22.
"While the circuit and the event exceeded expectations, as with any brand new event, there are always things which we now know we can do better," the circuit's technical and race operations director, Michael McDonough, told Formula1.com.
"Minor modifications are proposed on the track, at Turns One, Seven and Fourteen in order to improve overtaking opportunities whilst the main changes will be to the pit entry and exit to provide added margins of safety for cars entering and leaving the pit lane."
The changes at Turn 1 are aimed at reducing cornering speeds in an attempt to create increased overtaking potential in the braking zone. The modifications will mean moving the apex, reducing the corner radius and consequently reducing the cornering speed. In addition, kerbing will be installed as a means of preventing drivers taking the wide lines witnessed in last year's inaugural event.
Turn 13, the hairpin after the Anderson Bridge, will be changed in an attempt to increase cornering speeds, and thereby increasing the speed on Esplanade Drive and hopefully increasing the opportunity for overtaking under braking for Turn 14. As with Turn 1, the apex will be moved, thereby reducing the corner radius and consequently reducing cornering speeds.
Because of the obvious difference in speeds between cars pitting and those not pitting during the 2008 event, a new 'dedicated' pitlane entrance will be built. The exit will also be changed as last year's lay-out saw cars rejoining the track in the braking zone for Turn 1. At the behest of the FIA, the modifications will now see drivers rejoin the track off the racing line at Turn 2.
It is understood the changes to the run-off at Turn 22 are aimed at improving spectator circulation in the area, the cause of a number of complains from race fans attending the 2008 event.