The Singapore Grand Prix is renowned as one of the most physically and mentally draining races on the Formula 1 calendar, but the Marina Bay Street Circuit is also a fantastic track for overtaking.
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With three distinct areas offering the best opportunities for a pass, the race under the lights promises high-stakes action and aggressive braking zones.
The narrow street layout means that when a driver commits to a move, they must be brave and precise.
The combination of long acceleration zones and heavy braking points is a driver's dream for making a move stick.
This article highlights the three most likely places where drivers will attempt to gain crucial track position this weekend.
The three key overtaking zones at Marina Bay
These spots are all dictated by the circuit's layout and the placement of the DRS detection points.
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Turn 7 (Memorial Corner)
This spot, at the end of the longest straight on the circuit (along Raffles Boulevard), is the most popular place for a pass.
Drivers use the slipstream and the DRS to gain maximum speed before hitting the brakes hard for the slow, 90-degree left-hander.
As veteran Lance Stroll once noted, the sheer length of the straight is the biggest factor here.
Turn 1 (The Start/Finish Line)
The opening corner sequence is a prime spot for aggressive action.
Drivers accelerate hard down the pit straight, using the final DRS zone to get a run on the car in front before diving into the sharp left-hander of Turn 1.
This area is notorious for first-lap incidents but offers a clear chance for a bold pass.
Turn 14 (End of the Double DRS Zone)
This tight right-hander at the end of the second-longest flat-out section is a crucial new overtaking spot.
The track here opens up just enough to allow drivers, who benefit from a double hit of DRS across the previous two zones, to challenge the car ahead under heavy braking.
Making a move stick here requires precision and a good exit onto the next straight.
Why overtaking is still difficult in Singapore
Despite the existence of four DRS zones, overtaking in Singapore remains one of the hardest tasks in Formula 1.
The circuit's tight, technical sectors mean that drivers often struggle to follow each other closely enough to stay within the crucial one-second gap needed for DRS activation.
The massive energy drain and concentration required by the humid, bumpy circuit also play a significant role.
Drivers are physically and mentally exhausted, which often leads to mistakes.
As one driver put it, "It's just very difficult to find an overtaking opportunity here."
The ultimate success of any overtake will still rely on a clear advantage in pace or a tactical error from the car in front.
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