Olympic Times – Sports Daily

After their intensive test at Mugello last week, Ferrari believe they have resolved the issues which have caused both Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen to struggle for pace in wet conditions in recent races.
During the three-day session, the Italian team discovered that their lack of competiveness in the rain (seen at the British, Belgian, and most recently Italian races), was caused primarily by the car’s inability to get sufficient heat into its brakes, rather than its tyres.
“The team looked in detail at set-up work, especially in the wet conditions prevailing when Felipe was driving on the final day,” said Ferrari on their official website. “The team analysed data from the Monza weekend very carefully, which revealed that the main issue that hampered the performance of the F2008 in the rain-affected Italian GP was the difficulty in getting the brakes up to the correct operating temperature.”
“Unable to use the brakes properly, this had the knock on effect of preventing the tyres then getting up to their optimal temperature range. This was particularly noticeable in the first few laps following the fitment of the intermediate tyres. Furthermore, this situation was exacerbated when the cars were running in traffic.”
As a result of their discovery, Ferrari have changed the F2008’s set-up to prevent a repeat occurrence of the drop in competitiveness.
High ambient temperatures in Singapore mean the team were not expecting problems this weekend anyway, but the breakthrough could prove crucial to their title chances should it rain – as is often does – at the cooler Chinese and Japanese races.

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from: formula1.com

Whoever thought that Singapore was just a skyscraper-studded spot is way off the mark. As well as its world-famous highrise skyline, the Asian city also boasts the beautiful Sentosa Island for visitors in search of something more relaxed. The former British naval base is currently in the middle of a $10 million refurbishment, but the tropical paradise, complete with gorgeous beaches, is already considered one of the world’s most glamorous resorts.

So it comes as no surprise that Red Bull – a team always in search of the ultimate party venue – identified Sentosa Island, and in particular Siloso beach’s Cafe del Mar, as the perfect place to celebrate Formula One racing’s first-ever night race. With over 70 percent of its surface area covered with rain forest, lush vegetation dominates the island’s landscape, but it was the 3.2-kilometre beach that made the party’s setting so exquisite.

Food from all over the region – as well as every imaginable Red Bull-based cocktail – was on offer to the delight of the party crowd, who were present in their legions. So much so that it seemed that every party soul the town could offer had made an appearance, as well as famous faces from the Formula One paddock, who after an exhausting day at the track wanted to sink their toes into the spotless white sand.

And for those who needed another reason to find their way over the bridge that links Sentosa to the main island there was a stunning performance by Maxi Jazz, the lead singer of British band Faithless. An eager motorsport fan, Jazz has recently tried his luck on circuits around the globe driving a Porsche 997 in the Porsche Carrera Cup. He’s also a frequent performer at Red Bull parties and when the DJ performed his smash-hit record Insomnia, the beach seemed to sizzle as the crowd went crazy.

Midnight heralded the arrival of the four Red Bull drivers, and the hundreds of guests attending the party swiftly became some of the most passionate race fans imaginable. Cameras flashed, women screamed – and all the drivers went wide-eyed at their welcome. After that reception – and with a late start to the next day’s on-track action – the celebrations continued well into the small hours.

And as the glitzy party drew to a close, everyone left confident that the sport had stamped its glamorous mark on the beach resort. All that remains now is for the sport to do the same back at the circuit, as Singapore central gets its first taste of Formula One power on Friday evening.

from: formula1.com

Two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso says he has some concerns over one of the turns at this weekend’s night time Grand Prix in Singapore.
The first night race in Formula One history will take place at the Marina Bay street circuit and there are numerous concerns over the event.
With rain arriving at the circuit only adding to worries about the race, Alonso has also voiced his concern over Turn 10 on the track – a tight chicane.
The Spaniard believes cars may be damaged at the corner, and says that it is now too late to find a satisfactory solution.
“It is not the best solution they could find I think,” Alonso said.

Worried
“We worry that if we miss the chicane you miss the line and have to go over the curves.
“It could damage the chassis or the damage the car at the bottom. If you damage one car it’s not a problem as you can take the T-car but if you damage two you go home.
“It is a concern at the moment but I don’t know what is a better solution and I don’t know if they are able to do it quickly.”
Alonso and the rest of the drivers have been keeping to European time to ensure that they are at their best during the night for the big race.
Renault driver Alonso has also been walking the street circuit in the city state to avoid any nasty surprises once qualifying begins.
“It is not difficult to keep to European times,” added Alonso. “I have watched films until three and then slept before waking at one in the afternoon.

Walk
“At a new circuit the first lap you walk with the team is very important as you assess the corners and try to guess what speed will be needed at that corner, where will be the breaking point and which gear you will use.
“It takes a bit longer on a new circuit than a normal lap on one you know already but it was interesting because our simulations were a little different to how it was in reality.”
Alonso expects overtaking to be almost impossible this weekend, likening the task to trying to get past a driver at Monaco.
“It will be exactly the same as Monaco,” he said. “On this circuit I really see no way of overtaking.”

from: skysports.com