Written by Sophie Harvey
This weekend, F1 Academy returns to action in an all-new venue for the series — Marina Bay, Singapore. As the championship hots up, who will be queen of the streets?
Hot Singapore will be quite the contrast to rainy Zandvoort | Credit - F1 Academy
Track info
Known for its unforgiving nature, Marina Bay Street Circuit is a thriller — 4.940 km (3.070 miles) of tight and twisty action, partnered with scorching heat.
It’s also known for its bumpy surface, especially on Raffles Boulevard located between turns 5 and 7.
Whilst uncomfortable for those who drive it, the track boasts a well-lit tour of Singapore for fans and onlookers alike. Passing iconic landmarks like the Singapore Flyer, Fullerton Hotel and the Esplanade, it’s certainly a spectacle.
What to look out for
Back in Zandvoort, we were treated to an action-packed round. Abbi Pulling and Doriane Pin continued where they left off, each taking home a win and an impressive points haul.
These two continue to spearhead the championship. Whilst viewers thought we were in for a season of Pin domination after Jeddah, Pulling has been the driver with the competitive edge round after round.
With five wins out of eight races, her season so far has been nothing short of spectacular.
Other protagonists include Chloe Chambers, Nerea Martí and Maya Weug, all of which have been regular visitors to the podium this season. Separated by just five points in the championship, these three are close in terms of performance — but more importantly, who will clutch P3 in the championship, or potentially rank higher?
Martí is well-versed around this circuit | Credit - F1 Academy
On a similar note, Alpine star Pulling could take home the title this weekend. Currently sitting with 190 points to her name and a lead of 71 points over Pin, if Pulling can gain a 112-point advantage by Sunday the title is hers.
To be more specific, Pulling would need to outscore the Mercedes Junior by 41 points this weekend.
Though, if she can’t quite ‘pull’ out that advantage, there’s a very good chance the 21-year-old will wrap the championship up in Qatar or Abu Dhabi.
It’s also worth noting that whilst F1 Academy haven’t raced at this venue before, former W Series drivers will have some prior experience under the floodlights. Including the likes of Martí and Bianca Bustamante, there’s a few names that should really excel around this layout.
For this round only, Welshwoman Ella Lloyd will join the grid as our wildcard entry. Trading British F4 for F1 Academy, she follows the path of Nina Gademan — as the first wildcard to score points, Gademan certainly impressed onlookers in Zandvoort.
Will Lloyd be just as competitive? With multiple British F4 podiums in her debut season, there’s every chance she could be.
Weekend schedule (BST)
Friday, 20th September
Free Practice: 8:20 - 8:50
Qualifying: 12:00 - 12:30
Saturday, 21st September
Race 1: 8:05 - 8:30
Sunday, 22nd September
Race 2: 8:35 - 9:00
Where to watch
As per usual, qualifying and both races will be live-streamed on the series’ very own YouTube channel free of charge.
For more information on where F1 Academy is available in your region, follow the link below:
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