After a flying start to the 2019 season, McLaren have hit a bumpy patch in recent outings leaving them hoping that they can set things to rights this time out in Singapore.
“We go to Singapore looking to reset and refresh following two difficult weekends in Belgium and Italy,” said team principal Andreas Seidl this week.
The team scored only one point in Monza and none at all in Spa. Meanwhile their closest rivals Renault picked up 26 points over the two events, meaning that the battle for fourth place in the constructors championship has tightened considerable.
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“Those races demonstrated just how close the midfield pack is, and that even the smallest issue can cost a lot in the Constructors’ Championship,” acknowledged Seidl.
“We know the areas we need to work on between now and the end of the season, and the team is pushing hard right through to Abu Dhabi.”
Last year Fernando Alonso helped the team take seventh place at the marina Park street circuit. Seidl is hoping that Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris will be able to deliver for McLaren again in 2019.
“The last two European races of the season didn’t go to plan, so I‘m looking forward to recovering some positive momentum in the upcoming flyaway races,” commented Sainz.
“Spa and Monza were unfortunate but there is no reason to not stay positive. As always, we need to keep our heads down and fight for every opportunity.
“Singapore is a special circuit that normally presents those opportunities, such as in 2017 when I crossed the line in fourth position [with Toro Rosso].”
As a rookie, this will be Lando Norris’ first outing under the spotlights of Singapore. The 19-year-old says he’s looking forward to the whole experience, on and off the track.
“I’m excited to head to Singapore for the first time,” he said. “I’ve been doing a lot of prep back in the factory to get ready for the weekend.
“From my work in the simulator, the street circuit seems to be an exciting challenge and I’m really looking forward to my first laps on Friday.
“I’ll be heading out to Singapore a few days early,’ he added. “So I can get used to the temperatures with some specialist training, take in some of the city and prepare myself for the weekend ahead.”
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