The F1 Academy weekend in Singapore wrapped up with a thrilling race under the Marina Bay lights and rain drops. With every single point counting at this stage of the season, the drivers pushed to the limits and delivered another show.
Right of the start, Doriane Pin got a perfect launch. The French driver stole the lead from her rival Maya Weug, who started from pole position. Behind them, the battle for third place unfolded between Chloe Chambers, Ella Lloyd and Emma Felbermayer. At the end it was Lloyd coming on top, overtaking Chambers and keeping both drivers behind.
Unfortunately, yesterday’s winner Lia Block had no such luck. Her early front wheel lock-up sent her down the order. The new face and wildcard of this weekend, Lisa Billard, however, put on an impressive start, holding steady in P7.
As the rain hit the track
Further down, Alisha Palmowski struggled with her pace, making few small errors and running wide more than once. When the rain started to fall, she was the first to dive into pits for a change of tyres.
Some of the others rolled the dive as well and followed Palmowski, but some chose to stay out. As it this wasn’t enough of drama, Nicole Havrda’s race ended on lap 11. The Canadian driver lost it under breaking and ended up in a wall. Her fifth DNF of the season brought up a yellow flag followed up with a safety car. This action neutralised the field and gave an advantage to those brave enough to stay out on dry tyres.
With only three laps remaining, the gamble proved to be worthy as the top three chose to slay on slicks. On the final lap the racing unfolded again and was full of action. Weug attacked Pin right away taking P1 and with that the maximum of points. Pin following in P2 with the fastest lap and Lloyd who rounded the podium in P3.
For the rest of the field, those who switched to wets learned the hard way. Since the rain came too late and some parts of the track remained dry.
What’s next in line?
As we saw today every point counts and the drivers are willing to take all the risks. Weug’s win closes the gap at the top. However, Pin keeps the pressure high with another podium and fastest lap point. The fight now rolls to Las Vegas and one thing is certain. The gamble, speed and pressure will set the stage and crown the next F1 Academy champion.