Zoom A challenging chicane receives a descriptive name

Singapore GP organisers, in association with local newspaper Today, offered fans an opportunity to name three corners of its Marina Bay street circuit. Following its inaugural night race last year, the need to attach names to certain portions of the track arose, hence the contest which was open to participants around the globe.

The three corners in question were Turns 1, 7 and 10. Each proposed name had to respect certain guidelines, such as promoting a local aspect or having an F1-related theme; ease of pronunciation was an important factor as well.

Turn 1, the first corner and scene of crucial moments at any Grand Prix, will be called "Sheares" in relation to the Benjamin Sheares Bridge named after Singapore's second President and under which the track passes.

Turn 7, which offered much action and several overtaking manoeuvres last year, will now be known as "Memorial" due to its proximity to the imposing monument honouring civilian World War II victims.

Turn 10's triple apex and cumbersome kerbs, which proved a difficult section to navigate - and caught out Kimi Raikkonen and Giancarlo Fisichella during the 2008 Singaporean round - was awarded a catchy name: "Singapore Sling. "

While the Sheares and Memorial names for Turns 1 and 7 promote local aspects, in Turn 10's case the jury opted for something rather descriptive for the Singapore Sling chicane.

"It says more about the turn," explained Simon Rock, one of the judges, to the Today newspaper. "Drivers have to be careful here, but it can serve as a slingshot if they tackle it well."

Colin Syn, deputy chairman of the Singapore GP and also part of the jury, added that "getting to the eventual winners was a tough task" as the panel of six judges went through 1,400 entries before deciding on the winning trio.

Arthur Lim won the top prize which consists of a trackside hotel room during September's Singapore Grand Prix, a pair of grandstand tickets and a visit to the pitlane. Runners-up Chan Kwan Yew and Foo Say Boon will also receive tickets and a pitlane tour.

Daniel BASTIEN
© CAPSIS International