Racing will be under the lights in Singapore
(Photo from: theshutterwhale.com)
Two weeks on from F1’s final European race of the season, the calendar heads to Singapore for the second night race of the season. Singapore has been on the calendar since 2008 and although the racing is often uneventful due to the difficulty of the circuit, it is known as one of the most demanding of the season, with races often nearing the 2 hour racing limit.
Following the team’s struggles last season, it will be fascinating to see if Mercedes suffer similarly to last season in the heat where Nico Rosberg could only manage fourth and Lewis Hamilton retired.
In the build up to this weekend, news stories have started to emerge regarding the sports future and who is waiting to hear from whom regarding the 2017 driver market.
Throughout the last race at Monza, rumours were developing that the sport was being bought which would signal the end of Bernie Ecclestone’s reign of the sport. However the Tuesday after Rosberg’s victory it was confirmed that American giants Liberty Media bought a controlling stake in Formula 1, taking over from CVC Capital Partners. It was confirmed the deal cost $4.4billion.
It was also confirmed that Bernie Ecclestone would remain in charge for a further three years, working alongside FOX vice-chairman Chase Carey, who becomes the new chairman of the sport.
Onto 2017 driver rumours with Renault delaying their driver announcement further, leaving current drivers Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer in limbo as well as potential suitors Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon. The team have suggested that it could now be a while until any decision is confirmed.
Other news regarding 2017 is that fresh backing has seen Rio Haryanto tipped for a return next season as new backers have funded the Indonesian following cash flow problems which left him without a drive at Manor following the summer break. Although he has not been linked to any teams a return to Manor would be his most likely destination.
With both Ferrari and Red Bull looking strong, it could be an interesting and unpredictable race come Sunday. With the top of the drivers’ standings only spilt by two points, the results could see the championship lead shift once again.