The track changes have been brought around by the redevelopment of ‘The Float at Marina Bay,’ a floating event space that has been used as a concert venue and sporting arena. It is set to become NS Square, a development described by Malaysian news site The Star as an “outdoor multi-purpose venue in the Downtown Core area of Marina Bay, Singapore.”
On paper, the changes don’t seem particularly dramatic, though their effect on Singapore’s racing cannot be overstated. Turns 16 through 18 will be removed and turn 15’s sharp right-hand turn will instead become a slight left into a straight ending at the old turn 19. This will hopefully create a heavy braking zone and new overtaking opportunity, which are all too rare around F1’s street circuits. The new straight will clock in at just under 400m long and will become the fastest point on the circuit.
The Singapore Grand Prix, which is already the longest of the season, will likely increase in length from 61 laps to 63 as a result of the new layout, with Formula One’s website estimating a minimum race time of 94 minutes.
F1.com have also reported that in simulations a 2020 F1 car lapped the new circuit in 1:27.7, 8.5 seconds quicker that Charles Leclerc’s 2019 pole time of 1:36.217.
8.5 seconds quicker that Charles Leclerc’s 2019 pole time of 1:36.217
These updates, which are still awaiting FIA homologation, will also unfortunately result in the loss of the Bay Grandstand, a 120m set of bleachers which plays host to 27,000 fans every year, the majority of the track’s capacity and one of the largest single grandstands in Formula One.
Marina Bay is no stranger to layout changes. The iconic Singapore Sling chicane, one of the most feared complexes in world motorsport, was removed ahead of 2013’s race after playing host to several controversial accidents
Marina Bay Circuit signed a 7-year contract with Formula One this year, meaning it will remain on the calendar till 2029 and fans will have plenty of time to enjoy this new layout.
