The organizers of the Singapore Grand Prix announced on Wednesday that the Marina Bay Circuit will have some changes to its layout in 2023.
The Asian Formula 1 venue previously featured 23 corners, but a due to some development work around the track, the section between Turns 16 and 19 will change.
Instead of having Turns 16, 17, 18 and 19, that part of the circuit will become a 397.9 straight. Additionally, the Bay Grandstand will be removed.
The Singapore Grand Prix organizers said in a statement on the race’s official website: “The track layout of the Marina Bay Street Circuit will be updated from 2023, due to the redevelopment of The Float at Marina Bay into “NS Square” 1 , a community and events venue.
“Works are scheduled to start in March next year, and are expected to be completed by end-2026. The track will no longer include the Bay Grandstand while the redevelopment works are underway.
“Starting from the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2023, the revised circuit layout will be reduced to 4.928km and the number of laps increased to 63,” the statement explained.
Changes are subject to FIA approval
“Turns 16 to 19 of the previous layout will now be re-aligned into a 397.9m long straight, bringing the total number of turns to 19. Simulations based on a 2020 Formula 1 car indicate the best qualifying lap time at approximately 01:27.7, with the minimum race time expected to be 01:30:34.
“The changes are subject to the approval of world motorsport governing body Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). Further information will be released when the changes are finalised,” the statement pointed out in conclusion.
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez won the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix, with Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz second and third respectively.
? The Marina Bay Street Circuit will be updated from 2023 due to the redevelopment of The Float at Marina Bay into “NS Square”. The #F1 #SingaporeGP track will be reduced to 4.928km with Turns 16 to 19 re-aligned into a straight. More info at https://t.co/b54sENWDYu pic.twitter.com/YUpqwL6MFg
— SingaporeGP (@F1NightRace) October 19, 2022