FIA confirms five Straight Mode zones for the Singapore Grand Prix

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The FIA has confirmed five Straight Mode zones for this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, round 17 of the season, PlanetF1 reports. It will be the first race at the 19 corner Marina Bay street circuit with the active aerodynamics introduced in the 2026 rules. In Straight Mode, the front and rear wings move to a lower drag setting for more straight line speed. Drivers can only use it in zones the FIA designates

The zones run from Turn 5 to Turn 7, which is the longest, from Turn 9 to 10, from Turn 13 to 14, from Turn 15 to 19, and from Turn 19 down the start and finish straight to Turn 1. PlanetF1 notes that "Singapore is set to equal Melbourne's tally," the most of any circuit so far this year. Monaco had no zones at all, and other tracks have had between two and five

Singapore is famously hard for overtaking, so more low drag zones should help. The circuit is long, bumpy and hot, and races there often turn into processions decided by qualifying and strategy. If Straight Mode makes passing easier, it could transform the race. Safety cars are also common at Marina Bay, which adds to the unpredictability

After the software chaos at Sepang last weekend, the 2026 rules will be under close scrutiny again. Active aerodynamics adds another layer of complexity to cars that are already hard for fans and even drivers to understand. If the race goes smoothly, it might ease some of the criticism. If not, the calls for a rethink will get louder

Will Straight Mode make Singapore a better race? And are the 2026 rules adding too many gimmicks?

FIA makes key decision for Singapore Grand Prixwww.planetf1.com