Source:REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger
[Saba Sports News] Just before the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, the FIA issued an important announcement, declaring certain adjustments to the Singapore Grand Prix. The FIA will increase the pit lane speed limit to 80 km/h. This move aims to encourage teams to consider two-stop race strategies. The FIA believes this change could increase the excitement of the race, as teams will have to weigh different strategies, especially considering the expected weather this weekend which might make the track very slippery. Previously, due to the lower pit lane speed limit in Singapore, teams mostly opted for a one-stop strategy to avoid losing too much time, leading to relatively monotonous race strategies. Now, with this change, the time loss during a pit stop can be reduced from approximately 29 seconds to 23 seconds. This will incentivize teams to try two-stop or multi-stop strategies, making the race’s tactical arrangements more diverse and varied, thereby increasing the race’s unpredictability and watchability. The editor opines that although the increased speed limit might further compress the drivers’ judgment window when entering and exiting the narrow lane, through reasonable modifications and regulations, the positive impacts outweigh the potential risks, making this move a good thing.