Singapore Grand Prix: Comments before the stage

Pirelli

Mario Isola: “We missed the spectacular racing on the night streets of Singapore! The 18-inch tires are different in composition and structure from the tires we brought to Singapore three years ago. In addition, new asphalt has been laid on the track, so we can say that we are almost entering a new stage.

The Singapore track consists of 23 slow corners where it is important to maximize grip. We’ll be taking three of the softest compounds for speed and traction, but controlling rear tire wear will be key.

Given the tendency of today’s cars to understeer, it is important to find the right balance of settings to give the front axle sufficient control without compromising the efficiency of the car under acceleration.”

Red Bull Racing

Max Verstappen: “We haven’t raced in Singapore for a while, so it’s interesting to see how the track has changed. There is no doubt that one of the best races of the season awaits us in a beautiful place.

It’s important to do a good qualifying lap, so that’s what we’re going to focus on. During the race you have to be prepared for any development of events – usually the safety car often leaves. In general, the track is difficult, the high humidity makes it physically demanding, and the many turns and proximity to the walls make it difficult to drive a perfect circle.

I don’t really think about the situation in the championship. I just want to have a successful weekend and think about a specific race. There’s no point in rushing.”

Sergio Perez: “It’s great to be back on the track in Singapore, where you need to have high morale and physical stamina. It’s good that we got some rest after the built series – now we’re looking forward to the rest of the season.

We’ve had time to analyze the last few races and we have good ideas about where to go when we get back on track.”

Ferrari

InterviewStory by: Andrea Ferrari

Mercedes AMG Petronas

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McLaren

Andreas Seidli, Team Principal: “We are looking forward to getting back on track in the unique conditions of Singapore. Thanks to the fans, the atmosphere in Marina Bay, where we return for the first time in three years, always seems to be good.

This is the third night race on the season’s calendar – we’re waiting for the cornering track. In addition, we will live in European time, which will increase the interest. We are ready to fight and we want to finish the stage with a good result.”

Lando Norris: “I’m delighted to be back in Singapore – this is another race back on the calendar this year. This is only my second time at Marina Bay and looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a new livery car again. Singapore has a unique street circuit. In 2019 I have scored points at this stage – and I hope to consolidate my success.”

Daniel Riccardo: “It’s great to be back in Singapore. Asian stages promise to be interesting. We’re celebrating the return with a new livery for the car, which should look great under artificial light.

I’ve been successful in Singapore in the past, I’ve been on the podium and I’m looking forward to another opportunity. Racing in Singapore is not easy, physically and mentally, but the challenge is also fun.”

alpine

Interview: Pat Fry | Fernando Alonso | Esteban Ocon

Alfa Romeo

Frederic VasseurTeam Principal: “Over the past few weeks off the track, we have analyzed our performance in a series of built-in phases and prepared the latest innovations, which we will soon bring to the last six races of the season.

Singapore has a tough circuit where races take place in high temperatures and a different weekend schedule. In addition, we have to solve the usual tasks for the city stage, but I’m sure the team is ready for the challenge ahead.

In Monza we showed a promising pace, which will be the starting point for the next Asian doubles. We have opportunities to do well – for this we need to max out in qualifying to start from high positions and earn points.

Valtteri Bottas: “It’s nice to be back on track after a few weeks of rest. I spent some time on base preparing for the doubles simulator. I’m happy to be back in Singapore – three years have passed since the last race. I like the track and the difficulties you have to overcome because of the heat and humidity. In 2017 I walked on the podium in Singapore.

It’s a shame we couldn’t squeeze the most out of the car in Monza, because we had pace all weekend. There is no room for mistakes on the Singapore city circuit, but if we do everything right and the car is fast on Saturday, we can compete for points in the race.”

Guanyu Zhou: “The week is going great – yesterday I heard about the contract extension, and now I’m looking forward to the podium in Singapore. This is the closest race of the season to my home, so family and friends will come and support me.

I am also waiting for a new track. It will not be easy to race on the city ring at night in special weather conditions, but I feel ready. The points earned at Monza gave confidence and combined with the fast pace will provide a solid foundation for the work this weekend.

It looks like the battle in the middle group will be tight again, but if we do our job well and squeeze the most out of the car, we can compete and start a new scoring series.

Hare F1

Interview: Gunther Steiner | Kevin Magnussen | Mick Schumacher

AlphaTauri

Pierre Gasly: “We are only one point behind seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, so the target for the remaining six races is to climb as high as possible, although this is not an easy task. We have a chance to overtake Alfa Romeo in the battle for sixth place, but it is difficult and will depend on how well the team will finish the season. With two cars we have to earn points as often as possible, although that is not an easy task.

Our approach to every weekend remains the same – it’s important to try to get the most out of the car and to act as smoothly as possible. Ahead of the final part of the season outside of Europe on various track types – the series kicks off with stages in Singapore and Japan, where we haven’t performed in a number of years. Anything can happen – in the previous built series we scored points in two races and we need to continue this positive trend that started in Spa.

The last part of the season starts in Singapore, one of my favorite circuits. I scored points in the last race in 2019. The track is very technical with a lot of corners – you have to find the right rhythm on it. This is a difficult urban circuit, where there is no room for error, so the maximum level of concentration is required, which is difficult. The team has prepared aerodynamic innovations for this race, so we’ll see how they affect the car’s speed.”

Yuki Tsunoda: “I am very happy that they have extended my contract for another season. A few days before the official announcement was made, I got a confirmation. I was pretty sure that I would stay in the team, but still it was a bit exciting for the confirmation. You don’t have to worry about that behind the wheel, but outside the track, thoughts about the contract regularly arose.

So I’m going to Singapore and Japan for no reason and just focus on preparing for the next race. I’m happy with it!

I don’t think I’ll have an easy stage in Singapore as it’s my first time speaking at this track. During the training I will add with each circle, gradually getting used to the new circuit. It will be difficult, but if we manage to squeeze more out of the car, we will try to compete for points.

I prepared for Singapore in a simulator – on this track you have to constantly work with the wheel and during the circle there is no possibility to rest. The stage will be physically demanding due to the heat and humidity, but Japan has similar weather this time of year, so I can imagine what to expect.

I have adapted the training plan to prepare for such conditions. I don’t think working in the European time zone will be a problem.”

Aston Martin

Sebastian Vettel: “I have many fantastic memories of racing in Singapore – I have always enjoyed the challenges you have to overcome on this track. The city track forgives no mistakes, contains many turns and several fast sections. When everything is done right, you feel satisfied, especially in qualifying.

We should do better this weekend as the slow corners suit our car.”

Lance Walk: “The Singapore race has always been one of the toughest on the calendar, but I like the challenge, so I’m looking forward to getting back on track after a two-year hiatus.

After a difficult weekend in Italy, we are optimistic about our competitive position in the upcoming doubles. The next generation of cars should bring a lot of excitement to the Marina Bay circuit and I hope we can get back to the points. ”

Williams

Dave Robson, Chief Engineer: “Marina Bay in Singapore is a slow winding track with 23 turns. It’s been a few years since we last raced in Singapore and while the track layout hasn’t changed much, the road surface characteristics will be completely different.

Sessions will take place in the afternoon local time, which will reduce the risk of rain, but conditions will still change each day as the transition from day to night. All this increases the complexity of stage preparation, which will be a unique, truly special event.

We are happy with the end of the European part of the season. FW44 looked good in Spa and Monza and Nick de Vries were able to adequately replace Alex. The weekend in Singapore will certainly be more difficult, but there is always a chance to succeed on the street circuit and we will try to make the best of it.”

Alex Albon: “I want to thank everyone for their support. This time the preparation for the stage in Singapore was a little different than usual, but I feel good and I did my best.

I understand the complexity of Singapore, but I’m looking forward to Friday when I can get back behind the wheel. We are waiting for an excellent street track, which is very close to my native Thailand. I’m very happy to be here and see the fans.”

Nicholas Latific: “I was looking forward to this year’s Singapore Grand Prix with great impatience. This is one of the two races on this year’s calendar that I didn’t participate in, as was the next race at Suzuka.

It’s my first time in Singapore, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about this stage: there’s an overnight street race ahead, difficult due to the heat and the many corners. Rain may intervene over the weekend, which will add even more interest. I hope we can take advantage of this.”