We head into the Singapore GP with some uncertainty relating to the climate situations. Though all periods to this point have been held in dry situations, the specter of rain stays, and this would be the case for the race tonight at Marina Bay. The formation lap is scheduled for 20:00 native time.
The heavy rain that fell in a single day between Friday and Saturday reset the observe floor to its authentic situation, however between FP3 and qualifying, the circuit developed unexpectedly. Lando Norris lowered final 12 months’s pole time set by Carlos Sainz (1:30.984) by virtually a second and a half (1:29.525).
Pirelli’s suggestions – Marina Bay Avenue Circuit – 62 lapsTo perceive the strategic eventualities we would see as we speak at Marina Bay, let’s take a look at the recommendation Pirelli offered to groups after Friday’s official periods: “Right here in Singapore, a one-stop technique is nearly necessary since round 28 seconds are misplaced throughout a tire change. On paper, the Medium/Onerous mixture must be the quickest. The expected pit window might be between lap 21 and lap 27,” mentioned Mario Isola to the Italian-Chinese language firm’s columns.
“The Tender tire may very well be a superb possibility for the primary stint, with the cease on this case anticipated between laps 14 and 19. These beginning additional again may also go for the Onerous tire at first. This might enable them to increase the primary stint and pit between lap 37 and lap 43. After all, on condition that it is a road circuit, we all the time have to think about potential security automobile interventions. Groups will must be prepared for any eventuality,” Pirelli’s motorsport director concluded.
Tender tires are dangerous, a wildcard that may require some luckWe largely agree with what Mario Isola mentioned. The Tender tire is dangerous, but it surely is also seen as a wildcard. It’s dangerous as a result of on Friday, many drivers reported graining on the C5 compound. It rained that night time, and though the observe was dry yesterday, with restricted actions outdoors of Components 1 — solely the Components 1 Academy — the observe might not have rubbered in sufficient to make sure there’s no margin of threat.
On the similar time, the Tender tire may very well be a beneficial wildcard, particularly if used successfully. Earlier than explaining why, let’s open a parenthesis. In Singapore, overtaking is tough, so the lead driver must select between two methods. One is the Monte Carlo-style strategy, utilizing the Medium tire, slowing the tempo (performing as a bottleneck), and holding the pack shut to stop anybody from executing an undercut. This might additionally defend the driving force from dangerous conditions just like the arrival of a Security Automobile. Alternatively, the driving force might attempt to push ahead and play for victory with a head-to-head battle in opposition to opponents.
Going into extra element, we count on Lando Norris to begin on the Medium tire. This might enable him to handle the race and prolong the primary stint with out the fear of attainable security automobile interventions. Max Verstappen, then again, may gamble on the Tender tire. The C5 would give him the grip benefit to assault and attempt to take the lead within the early laps. If profitable, he might then prolong his lead and try an early pit cease, probably unsettling McLaren’s technique with an undercut. In that case, Lando Norris’s solely hope of regaining the lead can be a Security Automobile, which is extremely doubtless in Singapore.
That mentioned, we nonetheless suggest beginning on the C4 Medium. It’s the finest compound for the beginning as a result of it affords good competitiveness and permits for an extended sufficient stint to answer potential Security Automobile interventions (all the time a chance at Marina Bay). The Tender tire doesn’t assure overtaking, which is why we think about it dangerous. An excellent dose of luck might be wanted for it to assist acquire positions and in the end grow to be a profitable alternative.
General, we agree with Mario Isola. Most methods will contain a one-stop strategy, utilizing both Medium-Onerous or Tender-Onerous combos, with Onerous-Medium as a chance for these beginning on the again. After all, if the Security Automobile comes out on the proper moments, the variety of pit stops might enhance.
Sep 22, 2024
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