After a lengthy break from the Formula One calendar the Singapore GP would make a return. After the encouraging points scoring performance in Italy Williams Racing Team would move to the Marina Bay Circuit. For the team they expect to see Singapore to be far more of a challenge despite the FW44 performing well in the last two races. For Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi both are keen to return to the Singapore circuit. For Alex having been replaced by Nyck de Vries in Italy he is keen to return even if it will be a challenge. For Nicholas Latifi, coming off the announcement that he will be leaving the team at seasons end, he is keen to compete on the Singapore track for the first time. Like every other race Williams needs to be able to take hold of any opportunities such a penalties or weather they may present themselves.
Dave Robson, Head of Vehicle Performance:
In sharp contrast to Monza, the Marina Bay circuit in Singapore is a
slow, twisty track with 23 corners for the drivers to negotiate. It has
been a few years since we last raced in Singapore and although the
layout will be largely unchanged, the track surface is likely to be
quite different and is likely to evolve rapidly during the weekend.
Whilst the late timing of the sessions helps to reduce the rain risk, it
adds to the varying conditions as the track changes from the afternoon
to the evening. All of this adds to the challenge of preparing for the
Singapore Grand Prix and helps make it a unique and special event.
As a team we have enjoyed the end to the European season, with the FW44
performing well in Spa and Monza, and Nyck de Vries proving to be a very
capable late replacement for Alex. As we now refocus on Singapore, we
expect a more challenging weekend, but we also know that a street
circuit like Singapore can present opportunity to do well and we will be
looking to maximise these chances.
Pirelli are providing their softest compounds for this event, which is a
combination we last used in Canada. The layout of the circuit means that
traction is the biggest demand placed on the tyres and how well each
compound deals with this will depend heavily on the track conditions on
the day. We will need to assess all three compounds on Friday before
deciding on the likely race strategy.
Alex
Albon:
Firstly, I’d just like to thank everyone for all their messages and
support over the Italian Grand Prix weekend. My preparation for
Singapore has been a little different than normal but I’m feeling good
and I’ve done everything possible to get ready for one of the most
physical races on the calendar. I am not underestimating how big of a
challenge this is going to be, but I am looking forward to hitting the
track on Friday and getting back driving. It’s a great street circuit
and the closest race to home for me in Thailand, so I’m really excited
to be here and to see the fans that have turned out.
Nicholas Latifi:
Singapore has been one of the Grands Prix on the calendar I’ve been most
looking forward to. It’s one of the only two I haven’t raced at
including Japan. It’s my first-time visiting Singapore and I’ve heard so
many great things about this race. The track itself is a night street
race which I’m a fan of. It’s a physically demanding circuit with the
heat and very technical with so many corners. I’m excited to see what
the weekend brings as it could be quite wet which could make it
interesting and present something we can take advantage of.
Race Data Friday:
Practice 1: 18:00 - 19:00
Practice 2: 21:00 - 22:00 Saturday:
Practice 3: 18:00 - 19:00
Qualifying: 21:00 - 22:00 Sunday: Race: 20:00
Points are going to need some luck, and it doesn't help that there are fitness questions surrounding both de vries and albon, the only drivers capable of doing anything.
Having said that, the car has made progress and it wasn't that far off points in zandvoort either, so whilst I don't expect spa/monza levels of competitiveness, I'm hopeful they will keep me interested with a q2 run and an outside sniff of points.
crusty_bread Points are going to need some luck, and it doesn't help that there are fitness questions surrounding both de vries and albon, the only drivers capable of doing anything.
Having said that, the car has made progress and it wasn't that far off points in zandvoort either, so whilst I don't expect spa/monza levels of competitiveness, I'm hopeful they will keep me interested with a q2 run and an outside sniff of points.
You are right crusty. That is what keeps it exciting isn’t it. Anything can happen. Personally I would discount Albon if I was the boss to let him recover fully.
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