F1 News: Drivers Call For Huge Last-Minute Changes To Singapore GP

Amidst concerns over the revised track layout at Marina Bay limiting overtaking, F1 drivers are urging the FIA to consider introducing a fourth DRS zone for the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix.

Multiple F1 drivers are pressuring the FIA to introduce a fourth DRS zone for the Singapore Grand Prix, stemming from concerns that the revised track layout will limit overtaking opportunities. The push for alterations comes after Marina Bay's signature 90-degree corners underwent changes.

Key Takeaways:

• Track Alterations and DRS Concerns: Owing to construction activities around Marina Bay, the characteristic 90-degree corners of Turns 16-19 have been replaced by a kinked back straight. Despite these alterations, the FIA has only maintained three DRS zones, causing concern among drivers who anticipated a fourth to aid overtaking.
• Driver Insights and Recommendations: Valtteri Bottas of Alfa Romeo and Esteban Ocon of Alpine expressed their perspectives on the track changes. While Bottas emphasised the challenges of overtaking on the track, Ocon hinted at discrepancies between simulator scans and real-life track conditions, advocating for a trial in FP1.

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As per information from Motorsport.com, some of the Formula 1 drivers are currently calling for the FIA to introduce an additional DRS zone for the Singapore Grand Prix this year. Their concerns primarily arise from the recent alterations to the Marina Bay circuit, which have replaced the signature 90-degree corners with a kinked back straight.

Valtteri Bottas voiced the collective sentiment when he mentioned that the track's revisions might not necessarily enhance the overtaking chances. 

"It's going to be better but if it's actually going to make a difference in terms of 'Will it be a race that you can overtake easily?' I don't think so," stated Bottas. 

The Finnish driver also highlighted that the need for a fourth DRS zone would certainly be a topic of discussion in the upcoming drivers' briefing.

Alpine driver Esteban Ocon provided a unique perspective, suggesting that the circuit scans might not accurately represent the actual conditions, particularly regarding the kink's severity and the track's surface bumps. Pushing for a trial in FP1, Ocon stated: 

"We are all pushing at the moment to give [another DRS zone] a try... We are pushing at the moment to be able to try it at least in FP1, see how it feels and if it's OK, potentially keep it."

However, with safety always being paramount in motorsports, it remains uncertain whether the FIA will concede to the drivers' request to test a new DRS zone.