The FIA has made a significant modification to the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix by introducing a fourth DRS (Drag Reduction System) zone. This change is aimed at enhancing overtaking opportunities at the challenging and narrow street circuit, nestled in the heart of Marina Bay.
The Singapore Grand Prix has consistently posed overtaking challenges for drivers. Over the past year, the possibility of adding an additional DRS zone was a prominent topic of discussion among FIA officials and stakeholders. However, consensus on the matter was not reached initially due to concerns over alignment with proposed track configuration revisions.
Despite the previous indecision, the FIA has now moved forward with the implementation of the fourth DRS zone. Located between Turns 14 and 16, this new DRS activation area will work in tandem with the third DRS zone placed between Turns 13 and 14.
The FIA released the following statement, as quoted by Autosport:
Clive Rose/Getty Images
“It is something that was considered following the change in layout for this year, and the FIA contacted all of the teams several weeks ago to ask for their feedback and input.
“There was, however, no clear consensus from those teams that responded and, following our safety simulations, it was decided that we wouldn’t take the matter any further.”
By enhancing overtaking possibilities, the additional DRS zone seeks to address one of the most pressing issues that has plagued the Singapore Grand Prix since its inception.
McLaren enters the race weekend with a significant advantage, leading the Constructors’ Championship for the first time since 2014. The team is keen to leverage their current performance to secure a stronger position and vie for their second-ever victory in Singapore, a goal that the new DRS zone might just help them achieve.
2024 Singapore Grand Prix Schedule
Friday 20 September
Practice 1:
Local Time: 17:30 – 18:30
Practice 2:
Local Time: 21:00 – 22:00
Saturday 21 September
Practice 3:
Local Time: 17:30 – 18:30
Qualifying:
Local Time: 21:00 – 22:00
Sunday 22 September
Race:
Local Time: 20:00
2024 Drivers’ Championship: Current Standings
1. Max Verstappen – 313 points
2. Lando Norris – 254 points
3. Charles Leclerc – 235 points
4. Oscar Piastri – 222 points
5. Carlos Sainz – 184 points
6. Lewis Hamilton – 166 points
7. George Russell – 143 points
8. Sergio Perez – 143 points
9. Fernando Alonso – 58 points
10. Lance Stroll – 24 points
11. Nico Hulkenberg – 22 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda – 22 points
13. Alex Albon – 12 points
14. Daniel Ricciardo – 12 points
15. Pierre Gasly – 8 points
16. Oliver Bearman – 7 points
17. Kevin Magnussen – 6 points
18. Esteban Ocon – 5 points
19. Franco Colapinto – 4 points
20. Zhou Guanyu – 0 points
21. Logan Sargeant – 0 points
22. Valtteri Bottas – 0 points
2024 Constructors’ Championship: Current Standings
1. McLaren – 476 points
2. Red Bull – 456 points
3. Ferrari – 425 points
4. Mercedes – 309 points
5. Aston Martin – 82 points
6. VCARB – 34 points
7. Haas – 29 points
8. Williams – 16 points
9. Alpine – 13 points
10. Sauber – 0 points
