F1 Fanatic

Singapore deserves a genuine F1 race this year

If F1 ever needed to go somewhere and put on a show, it is now.

The dazzling spectacle Singapore introduced to the calendar last year has been forever tarnished by Renault’s cheating and yesterday’s all-talk-and-no-trousers reaction from the FIA.

On its return this weekend we need an event that shows off the very best of Formula 1.

Changes to the track

Before the crash that now defines last year’s race, it was a rather processional affair. Drivers found the stop-start circuit difficult to overtake on, and although changes are being made to the circuit this year they aren’t likely to improve matters. However this should mean we’ll get an exciting qualifying session.

The first corner, which Fernando Alonso infamously cut on the first lap of last year’s race, will have new kerbs, as will turn five.

The infamous turn ten chicane is being tightened, which should serve to make the already long lap even slower.

And the bumps between turns five and seven are being eased – that’s bad news for those of us who enjoy the spectacle of F1 cars throwing up showers of sparks, but a relief for the drivers. Good news for all concerned is the intended re-configuration of the problematic pit lane entrance and exits.

The race – and the championship

The championship arrives at Singapore with Rubens Barrichello bearing down on team mate Jenson Button. But although the duo scored an impressive one-two at Monza, where they might be in the pecking order at Singapore is anybody’s guess.

Much of it will come down to the strength of their opposition. Closest title rivals Red Bull did not do especially well on either of the other high-downforce tracks on the calendar, Monte-Carlo and the Hungaroring.

McLaren, on the other hand, should be strong. KERS will be far less of a benefit here than it was at recent tracks, but its usefulness at the start and for overtaking cannot be underestimated. Only the Woking team and Ferrari will use it this weekend, with Renault unlikely to bring it back until Interlagos.

Whether the turn of speed Force India demonstrated at high-speed tracks Spa and Monza will also be evident at Singapore could influence how well the Brawn pair score.

Toyota, meanwhile, have had massive swings in performance. Monaco and Hungary were particularly poor races for them, so this weekend looks like being a fourth consecutive race without any points.

It’s unfortunate to say it in the context of what happened last year, but with the close proximity of barriers and the ever-present threat of a safety car intervention, Singapore could throw up a surprise result.

This is what we need this weekend – no more politics, no more scandal, just a clean race and a worthy winner.

Drivers to watch

Fernando Alonso – More for what he might do off the track rather than on it. What will he say about how he won last year’s race?

Jenson Button – He can damage-limit his way to the title by hanging on to Barrichello’s gearbox. But if he parries his team mate’s advances here he will have one hand on the trophy.

Kimi Raikkonen – Can he keep his string of podiums going?

Nico Rosberg – had been scoring consistently until his disastrous race at Monza. But still has a chance of holding off Lewis Hamilton for sixth in the drivers’ championship.

Renault Singapore crash controversy

• Mosley says Renault got the ‘harshest penalty’ but hardly anyone agrees
• Nelson Piquet Jnr wants F1 return
• Renault escape ban for crash (Poll)
• Renault face Singapore hearing today
• Singapore Grand Prix organiser says: “There’s no such thing as bad publicity”
• No punishment for Briatore or Symonds?
• Did more foul play by Renault scupper Schumacher in the 2006 title decider?
• Fernando Alonso should renounce his Singapore Grand Prix ‘win’
• Briatore and Symonds step down as Renault accepts Singapore crash charge
• Piquet-Renault scandal: more new evidence and complaints about leaks
• Statement by Nelson Piquet Jnr on his Singapore crash leaked online
• Did Piquet crash on purpose? (Poll)
• Renault face Singapore crash hearing
• Nelson Piquet Jnr and Fernando Alonso in renault Singapore claim
• Piquet’s scathing attack on Briatore
• Nelson Piquet Jnr dropped by Renault
• Alonso and the Piquet-Renault fall-out
• 2008 Singapore Grand Prix analysis
• Fernando Alonso’s bad luck turns good for win (2008 Singapore Grand Prix)