Singapore plans major changes in 2009

The organizers of the Singapore Grand Prix are in talks with the Formula 1 teams and the FIA for changes to the Marina Bay circuit. The aim is to increase overtaking opportunities for the 2009 race.

Although the first Singapore Grand Prix in 2008, won by Fernando Alonso, was described as a huge success, race directors are looking to make the 2009 event even better.

For this purpose, the circuit president, Colin Syn, stated that he was seeking to modify the first sequence of corners in the hope of making it more accessible to drivers for potential overtaking: « We are in the process of modifying corners one, two, and three because we want the drivers to have more overtaking opportunities this year. »

It is also planned to work on improving the track surface, which has drawn criticism from drivers and teams. They are seeking drastic changes.

« We want to reduce the bumps on the circuit, » continued Syn. « 2009 will see improvements to make the race even better than it was in 2008. »

The turn 10, which generated so much discussion last September, will also be modified. The curbs present at the time had caused several accidents, most notably the one involving Ferrari driver Kimi Räikkönen.

The first night race in Singapore was a resounding success. The drivers, teams, and all the spectators were impressed by the efforts made by the organizers.

Former world champion Mika Häkkinen, who attended the event last year, said: “We witnessed an absolutely fascinating Grand Prix, a fantastic race that went well. So I think we have two winners for this Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso and Singapore.”