The original Formula 1 night race, the Singapore Grand Prix, has become one of the most iconic events on the calendar since it first ran in 2008.
“I think Singapore is definitely there in terms of trickiness and challenge, because it’s not just a street track, so it’s bumpy, but some of the corners are super fast and that’s at night.
“In general, street tracks are somewhat challenging, which makes for a very long race. In addition to that, it offers difficult conditions such as physicality and humidity. So, in terms of focus, it’s also important to keep your head cool until the end.
“To be honest, I really feel the whole rap is important, and there is no standout area when it is not necessarily important, meaning the entire first section of the track, one, two, three turns, one, two, three.
“The turn 10 section is also tricky. Then you get a chikane that crosses the bridge and then a bend hairpin before applying the brakes.
“All corners are completely different around this truck. Like the right-hander on Turn 5, it’s a bit bumpy and not good for our car, but it’s very challenging.
“It’s a street track, so obviously you need to take a measured risk, but it definitely increases the adrenaline in the cockpit.
Guthrie enjoys the fact that the Singapore Circuit is a place to demand and reward risk taking. Lionel ng/Getty Images
“Every car is different, but I think what’s tricky about setting up here is the fact that it’s a compromise between ride and downforce. For example, if you focus more on the ride, you could lose downforce or lose more grip.
“So it’s like trying to find out where the little fine lines are. You can’t go extremes on the ride and discount the importance of focusing on aero.
“In general, it’s the type of truck that you know in our package that it doesn’t feel great. But as a racing driver, you have to feel comfortable in the end.
“To be honest, I love it. It’s just a challenge. It’s a street track and you’re millimeters off the wall. The requirements of accuracy really push you physically and mentally, especially when it comes to maintaining that focus.”
At a glance
Race distance: 62 Laps/190.3 miles
2024 Pole Time: 1M29.525S (Lando Norris, McLaren-Mercedes)
2024 Winners: Rand Norris, McLaren Mercedes
Pirelli tire allocation: Pirelli made no changes to the dry weather compounds on the Marina Bay Circuit last year. C3 is hard, C4 is medium, and C5 is soft.
Singapore Airways Singapore Grand Prix Weekend Schedule (All Times et):
Friday, October 3rd
5:25 AM – 6:30 AM – First practice, ESPN2
8:55am – 10:00am – 2nd practice, ESPN2
Saturday, October 4th
5:25 AM – 6:30 AM – 3rd practice, ESPN2
8:55am – 10:00am – AM-qualifying, ESPN2
Sunday, October 5th
7:55 am – 10:00 am – Singapore Grand Prix (62 laps or 120 minutes), ESPN
