The FIA has shared track limits details of Marina Bay track for F1 Singapore GP along with changes made to the circuit, DRS zones and more.
After a gap of two years, the Marina Bay circuit returns to host the F1 Singapore GP this weekend as the drivers get ready to face some serious challenge that the track throws at them along with the humid weather conditions to hurt the body.
Also, returning is Eduardo Freitas as the FIA Race Director after missing the Monza event. He shared the all-important pre-weekend note discussing about various topics including track limits. White line and the walls of the circuit are the main ones.
But additionally, he has mentioned about negotiating Turn 1-2-3 in the manner as described, failing which the driver may be penalised. Here’s the detailed explanation from the FIA Race Director regarding track limits:
- 16) In accordance with the provisions of Article 33.3, the white lines define the track edges. During Qualifying and the Race, each time a driver fails to negotiate with the track limits, this will result in that lap time being invalidated by the Stewards.
- 16.1) Turn 1-2-3 – 16.2 Any driver who fails to negotiate Turn 2 by using the track, and who passes completely to the right of the orange kerb/line element, must keep to the right of the red and white polystyrene block, and re-join the track on the outside of Turn 3.
- 16.3 The above requirements will not automatically apply to any driver who is judged to have been forced off the track, each such case will be judged individually.
- 16.4 In all cases detailed above, the driver must only re-join the track when it is safe to do so and without gaining a lasting advantage.
Moving on to the circuit changes, with a gap of two years, several areas had to be resurfaced to make it F1 ready. Additionally, they are to try a new rumble textured strip at the exit of Turn 5, for which they will collect feedback from the drivers.
Here’s the details:
- The pit straight has been resurfaced as well as the pit exit road all the way to SC Line 2.
- From the exit of T5 to halfway between T6 and T7 the track has been resurfaced.
- From the exit of T12 to the exit of T13 the track has been resurfaced.
- Several patches were repaired on driver’s LHS from the exit of T12 to mid-way to T13.
- The approach to T13 and all the way to the exit of T13 has been resurfaced.
- The approach to T14 and all the way to the entrance of T19 has been resurfaced.
- New rumble textured strips are to be tested at the exit of Turn 5. Drivers’ opinions and feedback will be requested.
The DRS zones, meanwhile, remains at three where the first one’s detection zone is at the exit of Turn 4 and activation being 48m after Turn 5. The second’s detection zone is at 102m after Turn 13 and activation being 78m after Turn 13.
The final DRS zone’s detection point is at 180m before apex Turn 22 and the activation being at 43m after apex Turn 23. As for the FIA stewards, Dr. Gerd Ennser will lead the panel of Matthew Selley, Dereck Warcwick and Nish Shetty.
Here’s the full FIA Race Directors’ note: https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2022%20Singapore%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Race%20Director’s%20Event%20Notes.pdf
