F1 Singapore GP: Five things to know ahead of the night race

The Formula 1 teams are in Singapore this weekend for the night grand prix, the 14th race in the 2017 calendar.

Starting at 1pm tomorrow (UK time), the Singapore GP takes place around the streets of the Marina Bay harbour in Singapore.

Here’s five things to know ahead of the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix.

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Hamilton expects a tough weekend

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton, who is just three points ahead of second-placed Sebastian Vettel, is prepared for a challenging weekend.

The Mercedes driver told the BBC: “Maybe we don’t have the best package for this weekend, but we still have a great car. We can still be in the mix.

“We can still do potentially better strategies. Maybe on a single lap we will have a better scenario and that is so important here. But it is a very challenging circuit here, getting the set-up right, getting the timing right, understanding the tyres. So time on track is going to be very important.”

F1 chief pleased engine saga is resolved

The on-off engine saga between McLaren and Honda has come to an end, with the Woking-based team officially announcing a new deal with Renault.

Starting next year, McLaren has agreed an engine supply partnership with Renault for the next three seasons. Meanwhile, Honda has announced it will supply Toro Rosso, who had previously used Renault.

Speaking to Formula1.com, chairman and CEO Chase Carey said he was pleased with the final outcome. He said: “We are pleased that the teams and constructors involved in these intensive and complex discussions have reached an agreement satisfactory to all concerned.

“We had put ourselves at the disposal of the various parties to try and facilitate the best possible outcome for everyone.”

Sainz seals ‘loan’ to Renault

Carlos Sainz will join Renault next season on a loan deal from Red Bull. Sainz, who has driven for Toro Rosso for three years, will replace Jolyon Palmer as Nico Hulkenberg’s team-mate at Renault.

“To be a Formula 1 driver for a manufacturer team is an honour,” Sainz told the BBC. “I hope to reward Renault’s faith in me with my very best performances on track. The trajectory of Renault Sport F1 team is exciting and I’m proud to join at such an important time in their history.”

Prepare for ‘heat shock’, drivers are told

F1 drivers have been issued a warning about “heat shock” at this weekend’s Singapore GP. The Daily Telegraph reports that the race could be “one of the most physically gruelling on record”.

Haas driver Romain Grosjean said: “Fitness has evolved, but there is a high probability that we could get a heat shock and be in a pretty bad situation.

“Normally your body manages to keep going through the race, but when you get the chequered flag, everything switches off. The key is to drink throughout the race, even though it isn’t easy.”

Rosberg joins Kubica team

World champion Nico Rosberg has announced that he will join Robert Kubica’s management team to work on the driver’s return to F1.

Kubica has not raced in F1 since a rallying injury in 2011, but is gearing up for a comeback. Rosberg, who retired last season, said on Twitter: “Excited to be working with Robert and his return to F1. He and Lewis were the fastest I raced against.”