Track changes ahead of Singapore Grand Prix 22 Sep 2009
After successfully hosting the sport’s first-ever night event in 2008, Singapore is preparing to welcome back Formula One racing this weekend. Ahead of the paddock’s return, track officials have revealed details of modifications they have made to the Marina Bay circuit.
One of the most significant alterations has been to the pit exit, which has been realigned to join the track after the first corner. The entry to the pits has also been modified, with cars now leaving the track before Turn 22. After drivers complained of bumps at last year's event, the organisers have also resurfaced the track between Turns Five and Seven.
The apexes of Turns 13 and 14 have been tightened slightly, while the second and third apexes of Turn 10 have been moved left and right respectively to make the chicane slower. In terms of kerbs, new ones have been installed on the entry to Turns One and Five, and the kerbs on the three apexes of Turn 10 have been redesigned to reduce the risk of a car being damaged if it crosses them.
In addition, the kerbs on the exit of Turn 14 have been moved 10 metres downstream, while the wall around the outside of Turns 22 and 23 has been moved closer to the track. Other minor modifications include a resurfaced outer pit lane and all rubber exit kerbs have been given additional fixations. The changes mean the lap distance has increased very slightly from 5.067km to 5.073km.
The Formula One action at the circuit will get underway on Friday, with the weekend’s first practice session starting at 1800 hours local time.
