2008 Singapore GP.
- Thread starter MagpieRacer
- 354 comments
- 14,026 views
Roo
Premium
- 7,350
- Hampshire, UK
- GTP_Roo
Every time he's raced there?
2005, F3 Euroseries: 1st
2006, GP2: 1st
2007, F1: 2nd
2008, F1: 1st
Sometimes you need a little luck, as Vettel would attest too.
On topic, I'm indifferent to the thought of the coming GP - prehaps Valencia has left me jaded. Hoping for a good race though (of course).
- 10,373
- Manchester
- Ardius_
I don't know if anyone outside of the UK can view this, but ITV have put up a video of Nico Rosberg driving a lap on the Williams' simulator:
http://www.itv-f1.com/VideoWorldwide.aspx
http://www.itv-f1.com/VideoWorldwide.aspx
- 10,373
- Manchester
- Ardius_
http://www.formula1.com/
Use the "convert to my local time" option on the right hand side of the page.
- 26,265
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
I'm back for good after Hurricane Ike and over 12 days without power. Now let me chat about this deal here.
Just like the streets of Valencia, this race will all come down to who can adapt the best. This time, the adaptation process is going to be infinitely more challenging. Not just because it's another street course, but because... it's a night race. I bet you GT3 gamers didn't think F1 cars can race around city streets at night like when you raced Special Stage Route 11 or something, huh? To say the least, this is a video gamer's dream come true- a race on city streets at night. Name as many racing games as you can in which temporary street courses at night was offered to you. All major Gran Turismo games for one. Sega GT, any racing game that allows for racing at any time of day, that sort of thing. This is a dream kind of race for me because I would have never imagined that a race on city streets at night can actually come true. There was the recent Grand Prix of Houston track raced by the ALMS and Champ Car mostly, but that's not a traditional street course in which actual city streets are used. This one is what I would consider a traditional street course. I tend to think of Singapore as a lively Asian place. About as lively as Hong Kong, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, or Tokyo. The fact that this is a street course event held at night that is a championship round only makes this one of the most unique races ever conceived. Let it be said that I love urban locales, especially those in lively and major cities like Singapore. It would be stretching it to say that more street courses should be raced at night as the city comes alive. Then again, it would make temporary street courses a bit more fun to be at if fans are all in a good mood and don't mind seeing a little racing action at night. Especially REAL racing.
My draw to Singapore is that it's the only other city-state with a race held in an urban locale (guess what other course I'm talking about. Hint- the city's name is the same as a Chevrolet car). Also the fact that those Merlions are very cool. Think "mermaid lion." They are these statues that usually shoot water out of their mouths like a fountain. Those merlions are the symbol of Singapore for what I know. Whoever wins this race on this track depends on who can adapt (as I mentioned earlier). Champions adapt. They take what is given to them and make due with what they have to win. If Manchester United or Real Madrid were down on outstanding footballers, it means that the other players will need to step up to try to win matches in the abscence of premier players. As if learning a new course isn't bad enough, one needs to be able to think about the possibility of rain. It's safe to say that you will need to expect rain (or at least chances of rain) in just about every race. Rain and darkness only equals calamity. Singapore is a lovely place, but it ain't lovely when it's dark and wet with speeds over 170 mph. Talk about a recipe for disaster. I'm pretty sure there's not an Easy Bake oven anywhere that would want to cook up such a thing.
I know one thing... I doubt Sebastien Vettel will go back-to-back. The race is pretty much take-your-pick. My "default" pick would be Lewis Hamilton, but it's anyone's race really. Could be anyone ranging from Lewis Hamilton to Kazuki Nakajima to even David Coulthard.
Just like the streets of Valencia, this race will all come down to who can adapt the best. This time, the adaptation process is going to be infinitely more challenging. Not just because it's another street course, but because... it's a night race. I bet you GT3 gamers didn't think F1 cars can race around city streets at night like when you raced Special Stage Route 11 or something, huh? To say the least, this is a video gamer's dream come true- a race on city streets at night. Name as many racing games as you can in which temporary street courses at night was offered to you. All major Gran Turismo games for one. Sega GT, any racing game that allows for racing at any time of day, that sort of thing. This is a dream kind of race for me because I would have never imagined that a race on city streets at night can actually come true. There was the recent Grand Prix of Houston track raced by the ALMS and Champ Car mostly, but that's not a traditional street course in which actual city streets are used. This one is what I would consider a traditional street course. I tend to think of Singapore as a lively Asian place. About as lively as Hong Kong, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, or Tokyo. The fact that this is a street course event held at night that is a championship round only makes this one of the most unique races ever conceived. Let it be said that I love urban locales, especially those in lively and major cities like Singapore. It would be stretching it to say that more street courses should be raced at night as the city comes alive. Then again, it would make temporary street courses a bit more fun to be at if fans are all in a good mood and don't mind seeing a little racing action at night. Especially REAL racing.
My draw to Singapore is that it's the only other city-state with a race held in an urban locale (guess what other course I'm talking about. Hint- the city's name is the same as a Chevrolet car). Also the fact that those Merlions are very cool. Think "mermaid lion." They are these statues that usually shoot water out of their mouths like a fountain. Those merlions are the symbol of Singapore for what I know. Whoever wins this race on this track depends on who can adapt (as I mentioned earlier). Champions adapt. They take what is given to them and make due with what they have to win. If Manchester United or Real Madrid were down on outstanding footballers, it means that the other players will need to step up to try to win matches in the abscence of premier players. As if learning a new course isn't bad enough, one needs to be able to think about the possibility of rain. It's safe to say that you will need to expect rain (or at least chances of rain) in just about every race. Rain and darkness only equals calamity. Singapore is a lovely place, but it ain't lovely when it's dark and wet with speeds over 170 mph. Talk about a recipe for disaster. I'm pretty sure there's not an Easy Bake oven anywhere that would want to cook up such a thing.
I know one thing... I doubt Sebastien Vettel will go back-to-back. The race is pretty much take-your-pick. My "default" pick would be Lewis Hamilton, but it's anyone's race really. Could be anyone ranging from Lewis Hamilton to Kazuki Nakajima to even David Coulthard.
- 1,035
Everyone seems to be real amped up about the fact that it's gonna be in the dark, but from the pictures, it seems like it's gonna be floodlit to hell.
Lighting like that is NOT your everyday city lighting. I think being held at night is cool and all, but I think that some people are overestimating the unpredictability and danger associated.
I don't see it as being that different to a soccer or rugby game played at night, to be honest.
Lighting like that is NOT your everyday city lighting. I think being held at night is cool and all, but I think that some people are overestimating the unpredictability and danger associated.
I don't see it as being that different to a soccer or rugby game played at night, to be honest.
- 26,265
- Houston, Texas, USA
- JMarine25
I've considered the danger of racing at night with these kind of cars and this kind of course. I mentioned video games. Well, you have the "luxury" of multiple lanes of racing whereas this track seems to be a passing nightmare. To me, the all-time worst street course was the Canberra street course raced by the Australian V8 Supercars back in 2001 or so. I know this having played "Pro Race Driver." Absolutely no rhythm. Just more opportunities to crash your car and look stupid on TV.
These are factors I consider for street circuits:
* locale and surroundings
* the track itself
* the kinds of cars racing the track
* environmental factors (heat, wind, etc.)
I'm thinking that the environmental factors will be relatively low since it's going to be run at night. It may still be humid in Singapore, but I'd imagine the engines wouldn't have to work so hard in somewhat cooler conditions. I like this night race because it's different. It's like why I liked (sorry to bring up another motorsport) the NASCAR Nationwide race around Montreal in wet conditions. I even like this race because I usually like urban locales as well as nighttime anyways.
All of these are my own draws to this race. Maybe your draws are different, but those are mine as far as this race is concerned.
These are factors I consider for street circuits:
* locale and surroundings
* the track itself
* the kinds of cars racing the track
* environmental factors (heat, wind, etc.)
I'm thinking that the environmental factors will be relatively low since it's going to be run at night. It may still be humid in Singapore, but I'd imagine the engines wouldn't have to work so hard in somewhat cooler conditions. I like this night race because it's different. It's like why I liked (sorry to bring up another motorsport) the NASCAR Nationwide race around Montreal in wet conditions. I even like this race because I usually like urban locales as well as nighttime anyways.
All of these are my own draws to this race. Maybe your draws are different, but those are mine as far as this race is concerned.
- 1,035
My views weren't meant to belittle yours in any way, I fully agree with many of the points you made, and you're entitled to think whatever you want anyways. I have no issue with that.
I just think that some people might be putting too much emphasis on the fact that it's being held at night. I personally don't think that it's going to have any impact on the actual racing itself, it's more for the novelty (and alignment with the regular start time for European, or rather any, viewers).
The conditions, or environmental factors as you put them, will play a bigger role in the race than the darkness per se, as I see it.
Another thing I was thinking of, maybe not really a factor, but if it stays dry, and given the humidity, could dew play a part? I was thinking in terms of other sports played at night, and thinking about cricket, it just popped into my head.
I just think that some people might be putting too much emphasis on the fact that it's being held at night. I personally don't think that it's going to have any impact on the actual racing itself, it's more for the novelty (and alignment with the regular start time for European, or rather any, viewers).
The conditions, or environmental factors as you put them, will play a bigger role in the race than the darkness per se, as I see it.
Another thing I was thinking of, maybe not really a factor, but if it stays dry, and given the humidity, could dew play a part? I was thinking in terms of other sports played at night, and thinking about cricket, it just popped into my head.
- 453
A quick sketch of Singapore's circuit, made by De La Rosa:
I'm afraid it's all moonspeak for you, but that's all you'll get.
EDIT: Bah, I'll make the effort. From T1 to T24:
T1 - Brake at approx. 100m, cut the first apex at its maximum (literally).
T3 - Open 100% at the entry. (Take it as wide as possible.)
T6 - Full throttle, no problemo.
T7 - Brake hard at 100m, it might be taken at 2nd gear instead of 1st.
T8 - VERY slow.
T9 - Typical 90º turn, touch the inner apex.
T10 - A very complicated chicane, cut all the apexes, but mind the exit wall.
T12 - Not enough time to take this turn from the 100% outside. Try to reach, at least, 75%.
T14 - It's easy to block the front wheels. Slowest turn of them all.
T15 - 120º turn. Brake straight. (I suppose he means no turning while braking.)
T16 - It's important to stay on the outside and go straight for T17.
T17 - Take the apex at maximum revs (Or that's what I suppose "max rc." means.)
T18 - Full throttle.
T19 - A slow zone, 1st and 2nd gears, it's important to sacrifice time in T19 to drive faster through T20.
T21 - CUT.
T23 - Double vertex area, faster of the circuit, brake softly.
I'm afraid it's all moonspeak for you, but that's all you'll get.
EDIT: Bah, I'll make the effort. From T1 to T24:
T1 - Brake at approx. 100m, cut the first apex at its maximum (literally).
T3 - Open 100% at the entry. (Take it as wide as possible.)
T6 - Full throttle, no problemo.
T7 - Brake hard at 100m, it might be taken at 2nd gear instead of 1st.
T8 - VERY slow.
T9 - Typical 90º turn, touch the inner apex.
T10 - A very complicated chicane, cut all the apexes, but mind the exit wall.
T12 - Not enough time to take this turn from the 100% outside. Try to reach, at least, 75%.
T14 - It's easy to block the front wheels. Slowest turn of them all.
T15 - 120º turn. Brake straight. (I suppose he means no turning while braking.)
T16 - It's important to stay on the outside and go straight for T17.
T17 - Take the apex at maximum revs (Or that's what I suppose "max rc." means.)
T18 - Full throttle.
T19 - A slow zone, 1st and 2nd gears, it's important to sacrifice time in T19 to drive faster through T20.
T21 - CUT.
T23 - Double vertex area, faster of the circuit, brake softly.
Last edited:
- 985
A night race, 
, At least the brake discs will be glowing, I like that look.
, At least the brake discs will be glowing, I like that look.
- 453
Alonso, Vettel and the Toyotas are surprisingly giving it all. They must be needing a good setup for this race.
But it's so damn frustrating to watch the live timing, and only being able to imagine what those cars look like in the dark. Only one more hour 'till the first pics come!
But it's so damn frustrating to watch the live timing, and only being able to imagine what those cars look like in the dark. Only one more hour 'till the first pics come!
- 1,085
- Concord MA
- DiGiTaL_
- Digital_L30
WOW the circuit and the cars at night look SUBLIME! The Speed channel commentators are saying that there is a possibility of rain this weekend, so who know who will come out on top. I for one see Alonso putting down some good times, and if rain comes then i am hoping for a good result for Renault. Arriba Nando!
- 15,481
- UK
It's not going to be dark! Floodlights are 4 times more powerful than those at a football ground apparently. It's surprising that it's taken this long for F1 to catch up with the rest of motor sport.
Edit: Although a blackout would be quite scary. I presume the floodlights have back-up generators.
Edit: Although a blackout would be quite scary. I presume the floodlights have back-up generators.
- 5,632
- Malaysia
- MuzaffarMusa
Well here are the results from both of the practice sessions. 
1st Free Practice
2nd Free Practice
and some accompanying photos:
Seems fun enough for everybody to enjoy. 👍
1st Free Practice
Code:
Pos. Driver Team Time Laps
1 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:45.518 20
2 F. Massa Ferrari 1:45.598 23
3 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:45.961 24
4 H. Kovalainen McLaren 1:46.463 20
5 R. Kubica BMW 1:46.618 23
6 N. Rosberg Williams 1:46.710 25
7 F. Alonso Renault 1:46.725 29
8 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:46.964 24
9 N. Piquet jr. Renault 1:47.175 30
10 J. Button Honda 1:47.277 30
11 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:47.570 28
12 K. Nakajima Williams 1:47.662 23
13 T. Glock Toyota 1:47.706 27
14 S. Bourdais Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:48.097 16
15 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:48.517 23
16 R. Barrichello Honda 1:48.725 19
17 A. Sutil Force India F1 1:48.839 24
18 G. Fisichella Force India F1 1:48.906 25
19 J. Trulli Toyota 1:49.064 29
20 M. Webber Red Bull 1:53.703 42nd Free Practice
Code:
Pos. Driver Team Time Laps
1 F. Alonso Renault 1:45.654 30
2 L. Hamilton McLaren 1:45.752 28
3 F. Massa Ferrari 1:45.793 31
4 H. Kovalainen McLaren 1:45.797 31
5 N. Rosberg Williams 1:46.164 34
6 R. Kubica BMW 1:46.384 36
7 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:46.580 25
8 J. Button Honda 1:46.901 32
9 K. Nakajima Williams 1:47.013 32
10 T. Glock Toyota 1:47.046 22
11 M. Webber Red Bull 1:47.137 15
12 N. Piquet jr. Renault 1:47.145 35
13 S. Vettel Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:47.300 33
14 S. Bourdais Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:47.487 24
15 D. Coulthard Red Bull 1:47.640 31
16 N. Heidfeld BMW 1:47.760 36
17 G. Fisichella Force India F1 1:47.965 12
18 R. Barrichello Honda 1:48.009 25
19 J. Trulli Toyota 1:48.059 28
20 A. Sutil Force India F1 1:48.311 36and some accompanying photos:
Seems fun enough for everybody to enjoy. 👍
Cap'n Jack
Premium
- 10,062
- South of the South
- GoldMineGutted
I was just waiting for a car to bounce of the curb and into the wall at the turns 10-11 chicane. It's the only part of the circuit I don't like, the rest if fantastic and I can't wait for the race.
