Formula One News

Location: Singapore Race Date: 25th September 2011 Circuit Length: 5.073 km Number of Laps: 61 Race Distance: 309.316 km 2011 Pole Sitter:  S.Vettel 2011 Race Winner:  S.Vettel Grands Prix Held: 4 Circuit Website: Singapore Grand Prix Website Circuit Diagram Produced By: Adrian Dean

Brief History

In 2008, Singapore held its very first Formula One Grand Prix. This was made even more special by the fact that it would also be the first ever night-time race in Formula One history. The new street circuit runs in an anti-clockwise direction, with the city’s famous skyline providing a fantastic backdrop. It has twenty-four corners, 14 left-hand turns and 10 right-handers. Along with a number of overtaking opportunities.

The circuit was originally designed by architect Hermann Tilke, though slight changes have been made. Public roads around the Marina Bay area make up the circuit, and a powerful lighting system is used to replicate daylight conditions.

The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix was won by Fernando Alonso in a Renault. However, since has been centre to a major scandal surrounding the Renault F1 team. Allegations by ex Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr, of a conspiracy that he was given team orders to deliberately crash in order to give his team mate a sporting advantage at the 2008 race came to light.

This sparked a major investigation by the FIA, which ended with the Renault F1 team being charged with conspiracy and handed a disqualification from Formula One, which has been suspended for two years pending any further comparable rule infringements. Plus, the team’s managing director, Flavio Briatore and executive director of engineering, Pat Symonds, both left the team.