F1 returns to Singapore for second nighttime race
Singapore (Sports Network) - Series: Formula One. Date: Sunday, September 27. Race: Singapore Grand Prix. Site: Marina Bay Street Circuit. Track: 5.067 km (3.148 miles), 23-turn temporary street course. Start Time: 8 a.m. (et). Laps: 61. Miles: 192.066. Defending Winner: Fernando Alonso. Television: SpeedChannel.
This weekend in Singapore, Renault returns to the scene that nearly cost the French team permanent expulsion from Formula One competition.
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) handed Renault a two-year suspended ban on Monday after the team admitted to intentionally causing a crash in last year's inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.
Investigations by the Council and Renault found that team principal Flavio Briatore and executive director of engineering Pat Symonds, both of whom have now left the team, planned the crash with driver Nelson Piquet Jr. in order to benefit the race strategy of Fernando Alonso, who went on to win. Neither Alonso nor any other Renault personnel were aware of the conspiracy.
The FIA accused Renault of conspiring Piquet to cause a deliberate crash early in the race. The wreck forced the deployment of the safety car. Alonso started on a light fuel load and made his first pit stop prior to Piquet's accident. The safety car period helped Alonso move to the front of the field after starting 15th on the grid.
Briatore has been banned indefinitely from any involvement in FIA-sanctioned motorsports, while Symonds received a five-year suspension. Piquet, who was fired by Renault in July, was granted immunity from sanction for volunteering his evidence in the investigation.
Alonso also won the Japanese Grand Prix two weeks after Singapore, but has not recorded a victory since then. The Spaniard's best finish this year is fifth, which came three times, most recently at Monza, Italy earlier this month. He has accumulated 20 world championship points so far this season.
"The car is working well at most circuits, so I believe we are competitive enough to get close to the podium, which has to be my target this weekend," Alonso said.
"Last year, I decided it was better to remain on a European schedule rather than adjusting to local time, so I will do the same this year, as it's the best way to manage my energy levels." After winning the Italian Grand Prix, Rubens Barrichello gained ground in the championship battle with four races remaining in the season. Barrichello moved to within 14 points of current leader and Brawn GP teammate Jenson Button, who finished second at Monza.
Button and Barrichello, as well as Red Bull Racing teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber are the only drivers who remain eligible in this year's title hunt. Vettel is 26 points behind Button, while Webber trails by 28.5.
Lewis Hamilton won't repeat as the world champion this year, but the McLaren driver is hopeful for more victories before this season concludes.
"I remember my race in Singapore last year was all about damage limitation," Hamilton said. "I was driving with one eye on the world championship and wasn't going to take too many risks. I was happy to finish on the podium. This year, it's very different. I know I'm out of the title hunt, and I want to attack these last four races, pushing for as many victories as I can." Hamilton finished third in last year's first-ever F1 nighttime grand prix.
For the 2009 grand prix at Singapore, track officials have made modifications to the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The pit exit is one of the most significant changes. The exit has been realigned to join the track after the first corner. The entry to the pits has also been altered, with cars now leaving the track before turn 22. After drivers complained of bumps in last year's event, the circuit underwent a resurfacing between turns five and seven. The apexes of turns 13 and 14 have been tightened slightly, while the second and third apexes of turn 10 have been moved left and right respectively to make the chicane slower.
09/25 14:40:35 ET
