5 Facts About the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix:
​With the Singapore Grand Prix, the third quarter of the Formula 1 championship comes to a close. The Marina Bay Street Circuit, designed by architect Hermann Tilke, underwent its first modification in 2009, a second in 2013 with the removal of the chicane at Turn 10, a third in 2015 with adjustments to Turns 11, 12, and 13, and a fourth in 2023 with the removal of what were Turns 16, 17, 18, and 19. Compared to Monaco, the track is longer and much faster.
The GP Data
According to Brembo technicians, the 4,940-meter-long Marina Bay Street Circuit is categorized as highly demanding for brakes. On a scale from 1 to 5, it has earned a difficulty rating of 4 due to the fast pace and lack of adequate cooling areas: the brakes are used in 12 of the 19 corners, and 5 of these braking zones are classified as Hard because they require a pedal load of over 145 kg and generate a deceleration of 4.6 g.
Brake by Wire
In addition to calipers, discs, and brake pumps, Brembo is providing its by-wire units to 4 Formula 1 teams this year. Brake by Wire is an electronically controlled hydraulic system that optimizes the interaction between traditional hydraulic brakes and energy recovery systems involved in the car’s braking action. The correct balance between these two components is added to the action of the front brakes.
Brembo’s units are designed to manage rear braking, instantly varying the contribution of dissipative braking based on regenerative braking, ensuring proper balance between the front and rear axles. Brembo also manufactures by-wire units for road cars, with benefits including consistent stopping distances, reduced emissions, and optimized energy consumption.
The Toughest Turn
The toughest corner on the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the braking system is Turn 14: cars approach it at 288 km/h and slow down to 93 km/h in 2.19 seconds, during which they travel 94 meters. The effort required by drivers is 4.6 g, and the load they apply to the brake pedal is 150 kg. The braking power is 2,239 kW.
The crashgate
The first edition of the Singapore Grand Prix in 2008 is remembered for a series of exceptional circumstances. It was the first night race, but it was also the only one where a driver deliberately crashed into a wall to follow team orders, leading to the deployment of the safety car. In the report presented to the FIA by Nelson Piquet Jr., the Brazilian stated: "I caused the accident on purpose by continuing to accelerate, whereas a 'normal' reaction would have been to brake as soon as possible."
At the Top of the World
Singapore has achieved the top position for the 2nd consecutive year in the Chandler Good Government Index, which monitors the effectiveness of over a hundred governments worldwide: following Singapore are Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, and Norway. The top position results from superiority in 3 of the 7 evaluation criteria: leadership and foresight, strong institutions, and an attractive market. Brembo’s dominance in the brake category in surveys conducted by major automotive magazines is more enduring.