Pirelli chief talks about Sebastian Vettel’s chances in Singapore. Ferrari has had the upper hand over Mercedes on the high-downforce tracks this year.

Scuderia Ferrari German driver Sebastian Vettel has a good opportunity to fight and reclaim his lead of the Formula One world championship this weekend, when the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on the Marina Bay Street Circuit. That is the view of Italian businessman Marco Tronchetti Provera, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Pirelli & C. S.p.A. since 1992, Formula One’s official tyre supplier.

The Italian admits that although Pirelli remains neutral, he is happy that Scuderia Ferrari has caught up with world champions Mercedes this year: “Ferrari not only closed the gap but has also proved able to beat Mercedes. Ferrari is faster at city circuits where the top speed is lower, while Mercedes has a small advantage when the speeds are higher. So I think Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel can do a nice race in Singapore.” – Marco Tronchetti Provera explained, as reported by Italy’s Sky on Thursday.

He also said that Formula One’s new owners Liberty Media are doing a good job, with Chase Carey having taken over from long-time supremo Bernie Ecclestone: “Ecclestone did extraordinary things.” – Marco Tronchetti Provera said – “Without him there would be no Liberty Media or Formula One. But the new owners have great marketing experience and can do great things, especially in terms of new media.” – the Chief Executive Officer of Pirelli concluded, as indicated by the Italian media.

The last two races may have been all about Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton, but title rivals Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel head to round 14 at Marina Bay confident that they can put a halt to the Silver Arrows’ recent run. German driver Sebastian Vettel is currently a four-time winner at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, having taken successive victories with Red Bull from 2011 to 2013, and triumphed with the Maranello team two years ago. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton leads Scuderia Ferrari’s German driver by three points heading into the race weekend, with a seven-point swing between finishing first and second.

The red cars have had the upper hand over Mercedes on the high-downforce tracks this year, and given the Prancing Horse’s dominance at Monaco in May, Singapore’s Marina Bay Street Circuit appears tailor made for the SF70H.