The return of the Singapore GP, the first night in the history of Formula 1, made it possible for the talent of experienced drivers such as Fernando Alonso to shine on a convoluted circuit that does not forgive the slightest mistake.
After two week hiatus Forced by a last-minute crash at the Russian Grand Prix that prevented Formula 1 from restructuring its calendar in a more efficient way, the action returned to the Marina Bay circuit.
The queen category of motorsport thus returned to the streets of the Singapore urban layout after not doing so since Sebastian Vettel won the victory back in 2019 and the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 make it impossible to include it on the agenda until this year, something due, to a large extent, to the incidence of the virus in Asian lands.
The proximity of the walls the eastern monaco It took the drivers to the maximum at great speed, although for the moment, despite the fact that there have been light brushes of several cars against the protections and some sporadic red flags, none have suffered major damage.
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The experience of pilots like Fernando Alonso or Lewis Hamilton are a grade on tracks like this, where it is very easy to lose concentration in a matter of tenths of a second, and the talent of the two-time Spanish champion came to the fore despite not enjoying a placid Friday.
go for the points
“It has not been an ideal day for us”acknowledged an Alonso who could barely drive 11 laps in the first free practice session after the team called him to box preventatively due to an oil leak in your gearbox.
“We have shot little in the first session,” #14 continued, although when the natural light disappeared, giving way to artificial light, he liked what he saw. «Free Practice 2 went well in general and, despite the fact that we were a little behind due to the short time on the track, I think we are in a good place and I am quite confident for tomorrow,” he said.
In addition, in Free Practice 2 both he and Esteban Ocon were able to test the new floor with which Alpine arrives in Singapore, aspiring to extend their 4th position in the constructors’ championshipjust ahead of McLaren.
“Our car upgrade seems to be working well so far, but we will continue to analyze all the data tonight and tomorrow», concluded Alonso admitting that the good results will make them keep it for the rest of the weekend.
For its part, Matt Harmantechnical director of Alpine, revealed that “we will investigate the cause of the problem in the coming days” referring to the oil leak in his pilot’s A522, cataloging it as something “unusual” which made them equip a different unit to prevent the problem from escalating.
Finally, the British official pointed out that the new “improved” floor that they have released with 6 races to go before the championship ends “worked according to our expectations», so the positive trend in Alpine every time they introduce updates continues for another weekend.