How faster pitlane speeds could spice up F1 Singapore GP

The FIA will trial faster pitlane speeds in free practice at Formula 1’s Singapore Grand Prix in a bid to open up more strategic options for the teams.

Singapore is one of several circuits on the calendar, including Monaco and Zandvoort, that has usually had a stricter pitlane speed limit of 60km/h instead of the usual 80km/h, implemented due to safety reasons given the tightness of those pitlanes.

Following a successful attempt to increase the limit at Zandvoort, F1’s governing body the FIA will now also trial raising pitlane speeds to 80km/h in Singapore. It is understood the measure will be implemented for Friday’s first and second practice, after which it will be evaluated based on feedback from officials and the teams. If the FIA is satisfied the increase does not pose a safety risk, it will be maintained for the rest of the weekend. No physical change has had to be made to allow for the higher speeds, despite earlier reports the pitlane has been widened by one metre.

F1 drivers had long been keen to see the speed limits increased, as it shaves off valuable time for pitstops. Over a 400-metre pitlane, increasing the limit by 20km/h will make pitstops six seconds faster to complete, opening up more strategic options. That is especially relevant at Singapore, which historically has been an easy one-stop race.

Like last year, Pirelli is bringing its C3, C4 and C5 compounds, with the medium and hard tyres easily capable of completing the majority of the 62-lap race.

By reducing pitstop times, a two-stopper will be more enticing on paper depending on the degradation levels this weekend. But the measure will be particularly relevant in case of a safety car intervention, reducing the window needed to make an additional stop. And with the walls ever close around the 4.940km Marina Bay circuit, that is never a remote possibility.

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– The Autosport.com Team