Singapore GP, the race promoter for the Singapore Grand Prix has announced a number of revisions to the Marina Bay street circuit, which it hopes will result in closer racing around the 3.152-mile (5.073 km) track. The revisions will be made between Turns 11 to 13.
The changes ride on the back of a number of key enhancements to Singapore’s Civic District and tie-in with the city-state’s 50th anniversary of independence. As a result, the right-hand Turn 11 will be re-aligned to sit tighter with the left-hand side of Fullerton Road for a slightly slower corner speed compared to 2014.
The left-hand Turn 12 will also be modified slightly so that drivers now enter the left lane of Anderson Bridge, before accelerating towards Turn 13 at 200km/h – which is a similar speed to 2014.
The Turn 13 hairpin will be widened by one metre to enable more overtaking opportunities. (See illustration above)
The new 220-metre Jubilee Bridge, which links the Merlion Park to the Esplanade promenade, has also been incorporated into the Circuit Park to provide spectators with a vantage point of the fireworks display once the chequered flag is waved.
“It’s a win-win situation that the development of the new arts, culture and lifestyle precinct will provide an upgraded experience, but also potentially make for closer racing at this year’s grand prix,” explained Colin Syn, deputy chairman of Singapore GP Pte Ltd. “We take pride in ensuring our event is one of the best on the calendar, and this will only add to the excitement, on top of the off-track entertainment planned for September 18 to 20
The revision to the circuit is being overseen by Faithful+Gould senior project manager and engineering track manager, Jonathan Giesecke, who believes it will improve the racing.
“It is a fantastic challenge to translate changes to Singapore’s Civic District into improvements to the Marina Bay Street Circuit,” he commented. “I expect the modifications from Turns 11 to 13 will enable closer racing and the potential for additional passing opportunities.”
