20/09/2010
NEWS STORY
After the European season has ended, the next stop on the Formula One 2010 calendar is the Singapore Grand Prix. It's a unique event, as the drivers race at night through the Marina Bay area of this singular city. The street circuit, which runs anti-clockwise, has a length of 5.073 km and a poor grip level at the beginning of the weekend. The lack of run off areas and having the barriers so close force the drivers not do a mistake on this very bumpy track. The car suspensions must be softer than normal to have as much grip as possible at the many slow and sliding turns.
Hispania Racing, HRT F1 Team is ready for the first fly away race after the European season, where the team has been able to keep up with the rest of the new teams and count on a reliable car. The Spanish team is looking forward to its first ever night race and hopes to continue with the positive pace it has been showing in the last Grand Prix's and finish the race with its two cars for the sixth time this season.
On the other hand, the Hispania Racing, HRT F1 Team member who was involved in the incident at the pit-stop in Monza is recovering positively. He is supposed to leave the hospital in Italy soon, where he was kept under observation and go back to Germany, his home country. All the Hispania Racing, HRT F1 Team members wish their colleague a speedy recovery.
Dr Colin Kolles, Team Principal: "The Singapore Grand Prix has a very special atmosphere as it all happens at night. The 23 corners of the Marina Bay Street Circuit are mostly taken in slow speed. The drivers have to be concentrated as especially the last sector is very twisty and the barriers are close. We are looking forward to this special night race after having performed well at the European circuits. For the last five races oversea the team is highly motivated to achieve good results and to bring both cars to the finish line. On the other hand, and on behalf of the entire team, I would like to send all our support to our colleague that was hurt in the pit-stop. We know that he is supposed to go back home soon, and this is very good news for Hispania Racing, HRT F1 Team, who has been constantly aware of his progress."
Sakon Yamamoto: "It is my first race in Singapore and I am very excited to go there. I haven't ever driven on this track, but I know the special night atmosphere from when I was there in 2008 as a test driver. As it is a street circuit, we might need high downforce for a good traction on the car. It is going to be a tough race for the car and physically demanding for the drivers as it is usually hot and humid in Singapore. We are confident for the race and we will try to do our best again."
Bruno Senna: "I am very looking forward to the Singapore Grand Prix because it is my first night race and everyone who has already been there has said that it is a great event. It seems that it is a very challenging and bumpy circuit with walls very close and many corners. The bumps and big braking areas mean that the car has to have a good stability from braking to turning into the corner. It can be a good weekend for our team and I hope to finish the race again."