The weather is difficult to track in Singapore and heavy rain is always a possibility. In fact, the current prediction for this weekend’s Formula One Singapore Grand Prix calls for stormy weather. Peak temperature for Sunday’s race is expected to reach 90 degrees F (32 degrees C) during the day, though this should cool into the low 80s (26 degrees C) at night when the race is actually held.

This being a night race, the only one of the year, teams need to be wary of ambient and track temperatures that tend to fall, rather than rise, as the race goes on. There’s no escaping the steamy conditions, however, which combined with the length of the twisty Marina Bay Circuit, makes this one of the toughest races of the year. Humidity often ranges from 75 to 90 percent.

Singapore’s Marina Bay

is a street circuit where traction is critical as there are so many corners--the most of the season. The asphalt tends to be bumpy and slippery, and grip is further compromised by the number of manhole covers and painted white lines present. Thus, tire management is crucial here. Pirelli has brought its P Zero White medium compound and P Zero Red supersoft compounds.

Going into tomorrow’s qualifying session and Sunday’s eventual race, Red  Bull Racing’s Sebastian Vettel leads the Drivers’ Championship with 222 points. In second place is Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso with 169 points followed by Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes AMG in third with 141 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull Racing commands 352 points versus the 248 points of Ferrari and the 254 points of Mercedes AMG.

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