Marcus Ericsson is preparing himself for a physically and mentally challenging Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, with the Swede aiming for a fifth points finish of the season on Sunday.
The Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team driver says the race around the Marina Bay Street Circuit is amongst the highlights of the season and is a spectacular event due to being held at night, but the heat and humidity, coupled with the tight and twisty nature of the track, makes it difficult for the drivers on many levels.
Ericsson has scored six points so far in 2018, with ninth place finishes in the Bahrain and German Grand Prix being complimented by tenth place finishes in the Austrian and Belgian races. In his four previous races in Singapore, he has yet to break into the top ten, with his best result coming in 2015 when he finished eleventh. Last year he crashed out of the race on the Anderson Bridge.
“The Singapore Grand Prix is one of the highlights of each season,” said Ericsson. “It is probably the most spectacular circuit to drive on, as it is located in the city centre and takes place at night.
“It is also one of the toughest races of the year, with extreme heat and humidity making it challenging to drive, both physically and mentally.”
Ericsson hopes the team can rebound from a difficult weekend at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, a weekend that included a high-speed crash at the first chicane during free practice after a DRS failure and a puncture on the opening lap, all of which left him on the back foot.
“As a team, we are eager to bounce back after a difficult weekend in Italy, and we are determined to fight for a good result again,” said Ericsson. “I look forward to being back in Singapore.”
