Changes at the Singapore Grand Prix circuit could affect the teams’ approach to setting up their cars and even the balance of power, according to Dave Robson, Williams’ chief racing engineer.
Construction work is underway in this part of the city-state and therefore the configuration of the ring has become slightly different: instead of the section from turns 16 to 19, as it was in 2022, there is now a straight line, after which the last sector of the circle begins.
Robson believes a longer straight and fewer corners could help Williams be more competitive. In addition, the burden on cars and drivers is somewhat reduced.
“We will probably have some kind of test in Singapore to see if the team has really made progress,” Racer quotes him as saying. “But it is clear that the changed track configuration will help us. There are four fewer turns, and this will change her character significantly. I don’t think this will significantly affect the amount of downforce, but it will affect the intensity of braking as this has always been a problem in Singapore.
This circuit is affected by high braking energy, which affects the degradation of the rear tires. Therefore, serious problems begin by the time the car reaches the last sector. But since there will now be fewer turns on this part of the ring, the characteristics of the track as a whole will change quite noticeably.
Of course everyone will feel it. We hope this will further highlight the strengths of our car.”
In addition, the balance of power may be affected by the new FIA technical directive, which aims to tighten control on the stiffness of certain components of the aerodynamic body kit, especially the front wings. This document comes into effect in the Singapore phase of the season.
“I don’t know exactly what impact this technical directive will have. Judging from the way such documents are written, they are clearly focused on certain points that the FIA has paid attention to, so this should have an impact on some teams,” Robson added. “I don’t think it will affect us much.” Some work needed to be done on the underside of the car, but no major modifications were required to the wings. Hopefully this will slow down some of our opponents.”
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.
