Mercedes Anticipate “small” Improvements in New Sector 3 at 2023 Singapore GP

Mercedes are anticipating “small” improvements in the revamped sector three at 2023 Singapore Grand Prix. 

This year’s Singapore GP will see a reduction in corners from 23 to 19 due to the removal of the old twisty Turns 16, 17, 18 and 19, due to redevelopment of the Floating Platform for community use.

Those four corners have consequently been replaced with a long straight from Turn 15 to the new Turn 16 – which used to be Turn 20 in the old layout.

“It certainly changes the flavour of that final sector,” explained Mercedes’ Head of Trackside Performance, Riccardo Musconi, with cars previously “just trying to survive” in the final sector on degrading tyres whilst “really fighting oversteer.”

Musconi therefore has welcomed the new straight and the impact upon tyre degradation as he continued: “The longer straight that replaces the old twisty section will provide welcome relief in this aspect. “The new straight into what is now turn 16 will give the tyres a bit more of a rest.

“That means we should arrive there in a slightly better place and stand a better chance of keeping a better balance with the car.”

The track changes however are predicted to have minimal impact upon the cars as Musconi added: “It should also have a small effect on car temperatures, with a new opportunity for more airflow to pass through the cooling systems on the car for elements like the Power Unit and brakes.

“While the impact may only be small, every little helps.”

It is thought that “overheating” will be less “challenging” to deal with this year due to the Sector 3 revamp, which in turn could encourage less tyre management.

“If the tyres have an easier life, then it’s possible they will suffer less throughout the race. That could have some strategic implications,” commented Musconi on how the tyres could respond to this new Sector 3 layout.

Overtaking around the bumpy Marina Bay Street Circuit has always been difficult but Musconi is hopeful that overtakes will be possible into the new Turn 16, in-turn potentially creating an “interesting” new spot to attempt overtakes.