With one win every from Monza and Baku, Ferrari and McLaren face off in Singapore for the decisive spherical that may decide the highest staff of September. The Maranello and Woking groups are each robust contenders on the Asian avenue circuit, which, like Monte Carlo, intently resembles their earlier successes. Whereas there are similarities with Baku, there are additionally quite a few variations, making this problem distinct from final week’s race.
Again within the Metropolis The most important similarity between Baku and Singapore is their city nature, with all of the related implications. This contains the tires out there, with Pirelli providing the C3, C4, and C5 compounds, the softest within the vary and the identical as these utilized in Azerbaijan and Monte Carlo. One other frequent function is the prevalence of quick, 90-degree corners, the place responsiveness on entry and traction on exit are extra vital than mid-corner stability. Simulations point out lateral g-forces peaking at simply 3.3 g, removed from the 5 g skilled on European tracks. These are low-speed corners the place mechanical grip from the suspension is extra vital than aerodynamic downforce.
As seen in Baku, Ferrari excels in brief, 90-degree corners with out revealing its stability limits, working successfully inside its aerodynamic map. McLaren additionally performs effectively, notably in traction. The uniformity of the corners aids find stability, an space the place Crimson Bull has struggled for months. Within the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the world champions had been once more competing for victory with Sergio Perez, whereas Max Verstappen’s points weren’t associated to stability however relatively poor setup selections. Mercedes hopes to copy its robust efficiency from the 2023 version. Nonetheless, the frequent low-speed restarts in Singapore put vital stress on the rear tires, with overheating remaining a continual situation for the W15, as seen final weekend on the Baku Metropolis Circuit.
Excessive Load That stated, the similarities between the 2 circuits finish right here. Singapore’s monitor is extra winding than Baku’s, making overtaking extraordinarily tough and inserting even better emphasis on monitor place. Consequently, qualifying and pit cease technique will likely be essential throughout the weekend’s preparation. Whereas common lap speeds exceed 210 km/h in Baku qualifying, they continue to be beneath 200 km/h in Singapore, making it distinctive on the calendar alongside Monte Carlo.
The traits of the facility unit change considerably, with electrical energy supply on the straight turning into much less vital in comparison with traction, a powerful swimsuit of Ferrari’s items. The decrease common speeds additionally push groups to make use of configurations with most aerodynamic load, as there aren’t any lengthy straights to penalize excessive drag. Thus, the aerodynamic and suspension setups of the vehicles differ from these utilized in Baku, as they now not have to endure the excessive aerodynamic load skilled on Baku’s lengthy straight.
The Asphalt The floor of the monitor can also be completely different, typically extra abrasive and with better grip in comparison with Baku. Nonetheless, this must be confirmed because of the current resurfacing between corners 3 and 9, between 10 and 12, and between 14 and 17. In Singapore, the interplay between tires and monitor floor adjustments from that in Azerbaijan, with decrease static inflation pressures. Pirelli specifies 22.0 psi on the entrance and 20.0 psi on the rear, in comparison with 26.6 and 25.5 psi in Baku.
The distinction is because of the lack of lengthy straights on the Asian monitor, lowering the time spent at excessive speeds the place most aerodynamic load is generated, thus easing tire stresses. Decrease pressures guarantee higher grip and fewer overheating for a similar kind of asphalt, prompting groups to regulate their suspension settings. The out there time throughout observe will likely be essential, retaining in thoughts that, as all the time with avenue circuits, the monitor will evolve considerably, additional influenced by the current resurfacing.
No Skipping One other typical function of Singapore is the uneven monitor floor, with many bumps within the racing line and comparatively excessive curbs. The monitor favors a suspension system able to absorbing these irregularities, stopping the automobile from turning into unsettled, sliding, or overheating the tires. In 2024, Ferrari has emerged as one of the best automobile at dealing with low-speed bumps, whereas McLaren, although performing effectively, doesn’t match the Ferrari’s functionality.
Conversely, Crimson Bull has usually struggled below these circumstances. In Baku, Max Verstappen suffered from an excessively stiff setup, complaining a few rear finish that misplaced contact with the monitor. Singapore is much more vital on this regard, much like Monte Carlo, the place Verstappen described his RB20 as a go-kart as a consequence of comparable points. It’s no coincidence that Singapore in 2023 marked the worst efficiency of the world champions, who additionally suffered from a scarcity of absolute aerodynamic load.
Regardless of modifications made to the circuit earlier than the final version, the 4.94-kilometre Marina Bay Road Circuit stays one of the crucial demanding tracks for the braking system, with a severity ranking of 4 out of 5 based on Brembo. Drivers use the brakes in 12 of the 19 corners, with 5 extremely demanding braking zones exceeding 4.6 g of deceleration. Consideration should be paid to the automobile’s braking efficiency, a side Max Verstappen complained about over the past race in Baku. One other situation is warmth dissipation, notably difficult given the typical speeds. Brake cooling additionally impacts tire efficiency, as the warmth from the rim transfers to the tire.
In conclusion, there are a lot of variations between the 2 tracks, making certain that Singapore is not going to be a repeat of Baku. Any of the highest 4 groups might hope for victory in Asia, with Ferrari and McLaren barely favored. Climate circumstances might additionally carry surprises, with attainable rain on Sunday that would have a major affect on the race and the battle for the 2024 Formulation 1 championship.
Sep 18, 2024
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