Mercedes concerned by bumpy Singapore challenges

Ewan Gale
Monday 26 September 2022 09:00

Mercedes technical director Mike Elliott is expecting an improved performance at the Singapore Grand Prix after 'gathering learning' at past events.

But the team is concerned by the "challenges" of the bumpy nature of the Marina Bay street circuit.

The Silver Arrows remain winless in an F1 season for the first time since 2011 with six races remaining.

Japan, the United States, Mexico and Abu Dhabi look set to be difficult for the characteristics of the W13 but the high-downforce street layout of Singapore should provide Mercedes with an opportunity to battle Red Bull as it did in Hungary and the Netherlands.

But due to it being a street track, bumps will be prevalent and given Mercedes' history of bouncing this campaign, issues could arise.

Elliott, however, is confident of a strong showing given the constant data gathering the team has performed in order to improve.

“When you look back at the learning we have gathered over the season I think we expect that Singapore will be a bit more like we've seen in Budapest and Zandvoort," explained Elliott.

"It's a bumpy circuit which is going to provide its challenges but in terms of the nature of the corners, we think it could be a bit better for our car.

"So, hopefully, we will have a good result there.

"As always with all the pre-simulation work we do, we will maximise our learning in the practice sessions and hopefully, turn that into a good result over the weekend.”