For the only true night race of the calendar, held on the stunning streets of Singapore, Pirelli’s P Zero Purple ultrasoft tyres make a return for the first race since Austria, alongside the supersoft and soft. The three softest tyres in the P Zero range have been selected to cater for the unique demands of the Marina Bay street circuit: a long lap, fluctuating track temperatures, and a physically demanding race for both drivers and cars. With the barriers so close to the side of the track, no mistakes go unpunished during this two-hour marathon held in humid conditions.
THE CIRCUIT FROM A TYRE POINT OF VIEW:
> Singapore has the highest number of corners of any circuit all year (23) but is the second-slowest lap after Monaco: placing demands on tyres in terms of cornering, braking and traction.
>The surface is typically bumpy, also with street furniture such as painted lines and manholes.
> Being run at night, track temperatures don’t evolve in the usual way seen at a daytime race.
> Ambient temperatures still remain high though, meaning drivers have to manage degradation.
> A long race and high safety car probability open up many different tyre strategy opportunities.
> Low downforce means all the mechanical grip comes from tyres: the left-rear works hardest.
> Pit stop time is long due to a lower speed limit and long pit lane: a key strategic consideration.
