Changes to Singapore F1 Marina Circuit .... More overtaking chances, safer and hopefully more exciting

Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural Singapore Grand Prix, organisers announced that the layout of the Marina Bay circuit will be improved further ahead of the 2009 event.

Following consultation with the FIA and the teams, minor changes will be made to Turns One, 13 and 14 to further increase the potential for overtaking. Road surface improvements will be mnade to Turns Five, Six and Seven. Changes will also be made to the pit-lane entry and exit as well as the Turn 22 runoff area.

The changes to Turn One will result in slower cornering speed so that it provides potential overtaking opportunities in the braking zone at the approach to the corner. Turn 13, the tight left-handed hairpin after the historic Anderson Bridge, will see increased cornering speed, and more opportunity for overtaking in the braking zone at Turn 14. With this revision, the cars are likely to reach speeds of approximately 275km/h along Esplanade Drive. Wow !!! Capturing the cars on camera at such speeds wil be a real challenge.

During the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, cars entering the pit lane and cars lapping the track travelled at vastly different speeds. To improve safety, a dedicated pit-lane entry will be constructed. The pit exit will also be changed. Following suggestions from the FIA, the pit lane will be realigned and lengthened for 2009, exiting on the drivers’ left at Turn Two, away from the racing line and onto a part of the circuit where the cars will all be accelerating. .

The 2009 Singapore Grand Prix will take place from September 25-27. Let's hope this year's race will be even more exciting, and I personally hope that a Ferrari will win the race.