Marina Bay Street Circuit

The Marina Bay Street Circuit is a temporary racing circuit located in Singapore. It winds through the streets of downtown Marina Bay area. The circuit hosts the annual Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, which is a night race. The first Singapore Grand Prix was held in 2008, making it the first Formula One street circuit race to be held at night.

Track Layout

The Marina Bay Street Circuit has a length of 4.940 km (3.070 miles). It features 19 turns and passes by several iconic landmarks in Singapore, including the Fullerton Hotel, Anderson Bridge, and the Singapore Flyer. The layout combines tight corners and narrow sections, demanding precision from drivers.

Technical Details

The Marina Bay Street Circuit holds an FIA Grade 1 certification. The race lap record is 1:34.486, set by Daniel Ricciardo in 2024. The track surface is bumpy, adding to the physical demands on drivers. Approximately 1600 floodlights illuminate the circuit during night races.

Racing History

The Singapore Grand Prix has been held annually since 2008, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The inaugural race in 2008 was marred by the "Crashgate" scandal, involving Nelson Piquet Jr.'s intentional crash. The circuit has a unique record of having at least one safety car appearance in every race to date.

Notable Features

One of the most distinctive features of the Marina Bay Street Circuit is that it is a night race. The circuit is illuminated by floodlights, creating a visually stunning spectacle. Additionally, the track passes under a section of the grandstand between Turns 18 and 19. The high grip surface contributes to increased tire wear.

Interesting Facts

The circuit plan was originally designed by Hermann Tilke and refined by KBR, Inc. The night race format allows for favorable scheduling for TV audiences worldwide. The Singapore Grand Prix is a major event, attracting large crowds to the city. The Marina Bay Street Circuit is a temporary track that utilizes public roads.