The FIA has made a significant modification to the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix by introducing a fourth DRS (Drag Reduction System) zone. This change is aimed at enhancing overtaking opportunities at the challenging and narrow street circuit, nestled in the heart of Marina Bay.
The Singapore Grand Prix has consistently posed overtaking challenges for drivers. Over the past year, the possibility of adding an additional DRS zone was a prominent topic of discussion among FIA officials and stakeholders. However, consensus on the matter was not reached initially due to concerns over alignment with proposed track configuration revisions.
Despite the previous indecision, the FIA has now moved forward with the implementation of the fourth DRS zone. Located between Turns 14 and 16, this new DRS activation area will work in tandem with the third DRS zone placed between Turns 13 and 14.
The FIA released the following statement, as quoted by Autosport:
“It is something that was considered following the change in layout for this year, and the FIA contacted all of the teams several weeks ago to ask for their feedback and input.
“There was, however, no clear consensus from those teams that responded and, following our safety simulations, it was decided that we wouldn’t take the matter any further.”
By enhancing overtaking possibilities, the additional DRS zone seeks to address one of the most pressing issues that has plagued the Singapore Grand Prix since its inception.
McLaren enters the race weekend with a significant advantage, leading the Constructors’ Championship for the first time since 2014. The team is keen to leverage their current performance to secure a stronger position and vie for their second-ever victory in Singapore, a goal that the new DRS zone might just help them achieve.
2024 Singapore Grand Prix Schedule
Friday 20 September
Practice 1:
Local Time: 17:30 – 18:30
Practice 2:
Local Time: 21:00 – 22:00
Saturday 21 September
Practice 3:
Local Time: 17:30 – 18:30
Qualifying:
Local Time: 21:00 – 22:00
Sunday 22 September
Race:
Local Time: 20:00
2024 Drivers’ Championship: Current Standings
1. Max Verstappen – 313 points2. Lando Norris – 254 points3. Charles Leclerc – 235 points4. Oscar Piastri – 222 points5. Carlos Sainz – 184 points6. Lewis Hamilton – 166 points7. George Russell – 143 points8. Sergio Perez – 143 points9. Fernando Alonso – 58 points10. Lance Stroll – 24 points11. Nico Hulkenberg – 22 points12. Yuki Tsunoda – 22 points13. Alex Albon – 12 points14. Daniel Ricciardo – 12 points15. Pierre Gasly – 8 points16. Oliver Bearman – 7 points17. Kevin Magnussen – 6 points18. Esteban Ocon – 5 points19. Franco Colapinto – 4 points20. Zhou Guanyu – 0 points21. Logan Sargeant – 0 points22. Valtteri Bottas – 0 points
2024 Constructors’ Championship: Current Standings
1. McLaren – 476 points2. Red Bull – 456 points3. Ferrari – 425 points4. Mercedes – 309 points5. Aston Martin – 82 points6. VCARB – 34 points7. Haas – 29 points8. Williams – 16 points9. Alpine – 13 points10. Sauber – 0 points
The post F1 News: FIA Reveals Latest Changes to Singapore Grand Prix appeared first on Newsweek.
