Singapore is the most 'physically demanding' race of the year - Gasly

Pierre Gasly is preparing for a baptism of fire when he makes his debut at the Singapore Grand Prix next week as he believes it is the most "physically demanding" race of the campaign due to the humidity and the nighttime drive.

As of yet, Gasly has not performed at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in F1, but is aware of the demands as he has experienced the weekend's festivities previously in a third-driver capacity for Red Bull.

"My only experience of Singapore is when I attended the race as third driver for Red Bull Racing," Gasly said.

"So at least I got to see the race at first hand and it gave me an understanding of just how hot and humid it is and what it’s like having a night race, getting up in the afternoon and going to bed in the early hours of the morning.

"I found it quite straightforward, sticking on European time and you just have to get used to driving under the artificial lights. It’s a different rhythm, but I quite enjoyed it when I was there.

"The super-sticky conditions mean it’s the most physically demanding race of the year."

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The new Red Bull recruit, who will replace Daniel Ricciardo for the 2019 season, has put in plenty of hours of simulation racing at Marina Bay and is also training in heated conditions to prepare for the toil, but believes from viewing races that the circuit could suit his attributes.

"Even if I’ve never driven the track, looking at the layout, I can see it’s the sort of circuit I like, where you can get into a rhythm with a lot of corners," Gasly continued.

"It turns a lot and it’s very technical. We knew the last two races in Spa and Monza were going to be complicated but, on paper, Singapore should suit our car a bit better.

"I’m looking forward to seeing how we go. I’ve been training for the heat, wearing lots of clothes and sweating a lot, making sure I felt much too hot and I will be doing that sort of training right up until the weekend, as well as spending time in the sauna.

"Marina Bay is one of my favourite tracks to drive on the videogames, so I’m looking forward to experiencing the real thing."