2018 Singapore Grand Prix - Marina Bay, 14-16 September

[WaikeCU]

Well, we could see (virtual) safety cars, so I think some will be caught out by that strategy wise.

[subcritical71]

Back on topic ...

Apparently the track distance has been shortened by 2 metres after “realigning” turns 16 & 17. Any ideas what that means in real terms?

Also mentions new asphalt being laid at six different corners including turn 1 and the high-speed turns 5 and 23.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/13865 ... k-for-2018

Looks like they have straightened the area between T16 and T17


Source: https://www.fia.com/file/72611/download?token=JRXLTLBb FIA F1 2018 Singapore Grand Prix - Official Media Kit ENG

[Restomaniac]

That’s going to tighten turn 17 a fair bit. Shortening the lap but yet probably adding time as well.

[Just_a_fan]

It looks like the natural line through 16 and 17 is easier - previously, out of 16, the need would have been to get back across for 17 which made 16 tight, now the run out of 16 puts them more naturally in to 17. I doubt it will be noticeable in terms of time.

[GoranF1]

Whats the forecast for this weekend?

[LM10]

Whats the forecast for this weekend?

At the moment, less than 10% of rain forecasted for qualifying and race. Higher possibility of rain midday to evening.

[designf1]

https://twitter.com/ImanHansra/status/1 ... 3377633280

[Gr1ff]

I think even if Mercedes and ferrari are close on pace vettle will get pole and show great pace after each safety car restart.

Redbull will figure in the race on the restarts but not in qualifying.

Looking forward to Max driving like he's still in a KZ kart close to the barriers.

[F1NAC]

2nd DRS detection moved to the corner exit

[Phil]

Singapore Drivers Press Conference



Kevin, Lewis, Kimi and Brendon.

Best quote in there:

Question: Kimi, will you help Seb win the world championship this year?

Kimi: Well, I can only drive one car... <snip>

[WaikeCU]

Kimi is such a brilliant, funny character. I'm really glad that we still see him in F1 next season, but disappointed that he's been let go by Ferrari.

[Vasconia]

Singapore Drivers Press Conference

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShZ_0aofRyM

Kevin, Lewis, Kimi and Brendon.

Best quote in there:

Question: Kimi, will you help Seb win the world championship this year?

Kimi: Well, I can only drive one car... <snip>

I love how sincere he is, and funny.

[F1NAC]

Kimi is such a brilliant, funny character. I'm really glad that we still see him in F1 next season, but disappointed that he's been let go by Ferrari.

What should they do? keep him? I'm glad that he is still in F1 but he is not material anymore to be in top teams. His race craft in hybrid era is a bit underwhelming.

[Phil]

Kimi is such a brilliant, funny character. I'm really glad that we still see him in F1 next season, but disappointed that he's been let go by Ferrari.

He is. Here's another gold one from the press conference:


Q: (on the move to Sauber) ...and you're still passionate about racing, the fire is still....

Kimi: No, I'm not actually. You know, ... just for head games for you guys, I happen to sign and gonna spend two years there and not be happy.

[GrandAxe]

Kimi and Lewis really got on quite well in that video.
As for Kimi leaving Ferrari, it might turn out another "Ricciardo" year for Vettel with a fast Leclerc.

Back to to Singapore now. This is a classic track for teammate games, much more so than Monza, so it will be interesting to observe the Vettel-Kimi dynamic against Lewis-Bottas.

My prediction for Q3 is:

1. Vettel
2. Kimi
3. Lewis
4. Max
5. Bottas
6. Ricciardo
7. Grosjean
8. Magnussen
9 Gasly
10. Occon

Race result?

1. Vettel
2. Kimi
3. Lewis

If Ferrari continues the recent trend of chewing up its tyres, then Lewis will win with Max second and Bottas third.