McLaren more comfortable in Singapore?

After a difficult return to school on the fast tracks of Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) and Monza (Italy), McLaren-Honda hopes to be more comfortable at the Singapore Grand Prix which this week will host the F1 on the Marina Bay street circuit.

The Woking team, however, remains disillusioned since Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button retired last year, but the men of the British team are nevertheless confident about the effectiveness of their package.

“We knew that Spa and Monza would be among the most difficult races on the calendar for us, recalled Fernando Alonso. We are now starting our tour outside Europe and we are optimistic that we will be able to score more points. »

“Singapore is a very fun circuit, very bumpy and difficult, but the layout is unusual with acceleration/braking sectors and long straights, added the double winner of the Singapore Grand Prix in 2008 and 2010. We need a car which works well with strong downforce and good traction to get us out of slow corners. »

His teammate Jenson Button, who could travel to Singapore for the last time, also remembered the particularities of this urban track.

“The Marina Bay circuit is a unique challenge of the season, even when compared to other urban circuits, insisted the 2009 world champion. It’s winding, very fast, the rails are close and the bumpy surface is unforgivable. We cannot always control a lack of grip and avoid seeing debris flying all over the track, forcing the safety car to enter the track. This is what makes Singapore so special. Its characteristics are a real test even for the toughest chassis and Power Units. »

McLaren will have to maintain its advantage over Toro Rosso which is only three points behind sixth place in the Championship.