Singapore 2015 - GP Preview - Manor Ferrari

Round 13 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, sees the Manor Marussia F1 Team back in Asia, at the track that played host to the sport’s first ever night race. The 5.065km Marina Bay Street Circuit provides one of the F1’s calendar most exciting and atmospheric backdrops to a Grand Prix, the track snaking its way through the city streets and waterfront area under a powerful state-of-the-art lighting system that replicates daylight conditions.

The team got its Singapore Grand Prix weekend started with the announcement that it has signed Alexander Rossi to race alongside Will Stevens in five of the seven remaining rounds of the championship. He will make his F1 racing debut here in Singapore on Sunday.

John Booth │ Team Principal

“Singapore is a fantastic place at which to begin the final phase of the season. It’s at this time of year that we tend to appreciate just how quickly the season has flown by, with just seven races remaining.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Alexander back to the team here and it is very exciting for him to be making his F1 racing debut at such a spectacular venue. Although we have been working hard to prepare him for the weekend, the reality is that this is made much easier by the fact that Alex is already familiar with the car and many of the mechanics and engineers. He seems very relaxed and we are looking forward to seeing him in action.

“Over the five years that our team has been racing here, we have become well-versed in coping with the unique challenges that this event poses; racing under the lights, operating to a European schedule and eating breakfast in the middle of the afternoon. This is also the longest dry race of the season by some margin. The familiarity we now have with this circuit has done little to diminish the whole experience and we’re excited to get into the swing of the weekend.”

Will Stevens

“I’m really looking forward to my first experience of racing under the lights here in Singapore. It’s a pretty spectacular event all round and there’s a real buzz about the city with Formula 1 in town. The track is a lot like Monaco and just as unforgiving and demanding, punishing even the smallest of mistakes. I really like the tempo though; a fun mix of short straights and lots of corners. The conditions can be quite tough for the team; it’s usually very hot and humid here, but the reality is that, so far, it’s been quite bearable. Obviously I have a new teammate here, which adds another dimension to the weekend, but I know Alex and we get on well. I’m looking forward to racing with both him and Roberto in the remaining rounds of the season.”

Alexander Rossi

“I’m very excited to be making my F1 racing debut this weekend, and at a track like this one. It has such a spectacular vibe that will add something really special to the whole experience. I’m feeling really well prepared and can’t wait to get down to business now. I love the circuit layout; it’s really tight and twisty and very similar to Monaco. Together with the climate here, it’s a real test in every area of the driver and I’m feeling ready for that challenge.”