The streak of 4 for McLaren in Singapore?
After winning consecutively in Hungary, Belgium, and Italy, the McLaren team approaches the Singapore Grand Prix with confidence. The British team hopes to play a leading role once again to accumulate points with the aim of securing both titles. Lewis Hamilton believes he still has a chance against Fernando Alonso on the drivers' side. Jenson Button only has one wish: to forget his Italian retirement and bounce back by achieving a good result on the Marina Bay circuit.
As highlighted by Martin Whitmarsh, the director of McLaren, the Singapore Grand Prix taking place this weekend is an event eagerly anticipated by all Formula 1 fans: Since its debut on the Formula 1 calendar in 2008, the Singapore Grand Prix has become one of the season’s highlights – one of the most enjoyed events of the year by fans, guests, and teams. The nighttime atmosphere of the Marina Bay circuit, and the tension from racing in the darkness, make it one of the best races of the season. It’s a true spectacle for our sport.
The layout of Marina Bay is not so easy to grasp, however, as Jenson Button explains: « The Marina Bay circuit is unique – there are some long straights, so it’s very fast, but all the corners are usually taken in second or third gear, so you have to find the best setup compromise – especially since you need good top speed to overtake at turn 7. It’s the best overtaking opportunity because it comes at the end of the DRS zone. »
After three consecutive victories, achieved in Hungary, Belgium, and Italy, McLaren approaches Singapore with confidence and the goal will be to score big points as Martin Whitmarsh specifies: « The season is far from over. We continue to improve our car and we have our sights set on the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Every race from now on will be an important step, and I am confident that we can once again score big points in Singapore this weekend. »
Hamilton has won two of the last three races and he appreciates the host circuit of the Singapore Grand Prix even though it is demanding for both men and machines: “After winning in Hungary and Monza, I head to Singapore very positive and optimistic that we can still think about the title against Fernando [Alonso]. I love the Marina Bay circuit as much as the Hungaroring – it’s a complex track that requires you to be at one with the car to get the best out of it. It requires finesse; all the braking zones are approached at high speed, and the walls are never far away. With the heat and humidity, it makes for a very demanding weekend.”
Despite a victory in 2009, the 2008 world champion doesn’t have only good memories of Singapore and hopes to break his bad streak this year: Even though I achieved a fantastic victory here in 2009, I haven’t had very good results in Singapore recently. I had a puncture and then retired after a contact with Mark Webber in 2010 and was delayed after having contact with Felipe [Massa] last year. I was unlucky in those two races – I think I need luck to change this time!
Jenson Button, on his side, hopes to bounce back after a tough-to-swallow retirement in Italy: “I haven’t spent too much time dwelling on my Monza retirement. Obviously, it was disappointing [but] what’s even more encouraging is that we have a good pace on a large number of circuits – and, hopefully, we can continue our momentum in Singapore.”
The British driver hopes to be a frontrunner in the qualifying and the race to perhaps continue McLaren’s winning streak: « Every lap is a challenge: I enjoyed the race a lot last year. My car was really incredible and I could push to catch up with Sebastian [Vettel] in the last laps. This year, I hope once again we will have a package to be in contention. »
