Mercedes chief race engineer Andrew Shovlin is optimistic about the team’s chances at the upcoming round in Singapore. The Marina Bay city circuit, which requires high downforce, should suit the Mercedes W14.
Andrew Shovlin: “The Singapore circuit requires maximum downforce, so we have reason to believe the car will look more competitive than in Monza. On high downforce circuits in Barcelona, Budapest and even Zandvoort the car was fast and we performed very well.
We hope that next weekend we will be a little faster and return to positions that will allow us to fight for the podium. The Singapore circuit has some pretty unique features. In addition, this year the configuration has changed: four corners have been removed at the end of the circle where the racing ring used to pass through the tunnel.
Now these curves are gone and in their place is a long straight line. These changes will partly affect the performance of the tires, but the asphalt remains just as abrasive. Pirelli will bring three of the softest compounds; there are quite a few bumps on the track, so the load on the tires will be high.
Add to that the fact that the race takes place at night. We still have many challenges to overcome, but we go to Singapore with optimism and expect a good result.”
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
