F1 News
Kvyat focussed to bounce back in Singapore after disappointing Monza DNF
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
After suffering a mechanical breakdown during the Italian Grand Prix from a very promising position, Toro Rosso driver Daniil Kvyat is determined to bounce back at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend.
The Russian is having a good comeback year so far in Formula 1, with his podium at Hockenheim being Toro Rosso's first podium since 2008.
At Monza, Kvyat was having another great race, driving in sixth place in his team's home race. However, disaster struck for the 25-year-old, with his Honda engine suddenly puffing smoke during the 30th lap.
Kvyat had to pull over his STR14 as his race was over, leaving him disappointed but also motivated to make amends this weekend in Singapore.
"I was having a solid race in Monza until I had to park the car," he explained.
"Our performance last weekend proved that we were doing a good job, but sometimes, technical problems occur. We had to stop the car, which was disappointing because I’m sure we were on for some big points, but now we will try and make up for it in Singapore."
The former Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver has finished as high as sixth under the floodlights at the Marina Bay Circuit. As he knows his car tends to perform well on street circuits, Kvyat fancies himself to put some more points on the board.
"In recent races, we have shown good pace and we will try and do the same in Singapore, even if it is a very different track to Spa and Monza, for example. Street circuits have been good for us in the past and this year we were competitive in Monaco, so we will be trying to put everything together and fight for points.”
The fact that it's a night race doesn't phase him much, as he says it's 'normal' once you get used to it.
"Everyone talks about the fact we work at night, but honestly, it’s quite easy to deal with: you have a programme to follow, you go to bed around 4 or 5 in the morning, which is unusual, but the only really strange thing is that you don’t have any jetlag.
"We’ve got used to it over the years we’ve been going there. It is very hot and humid and I take this into consideration in my pre-race training. For example, back in Europe, I have been going for runs outside wearing a few more layers than usual, which looks a bit funny and you get strange looks from people in the street."