Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas has opted for an unusual route to this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, avoiding a short flight and instead cycling the 350km (217 miles) from Malaysia. His journey began just hours after spinning out of Sunday's chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix, which was held at Sepang outside the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur as a one-off. The Finnish driver is making the journey alongside his partner, professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, and will need to be in Singapore for his media commitments on Thursday.
Swapping the driver's seat for the saddle before reaching the heat and humidity of Marina Bay is just another in a series of cycling-related endeavours for Bottas. The 37-year-old earned a spot at the Gravel World Championships following a fifth-placed finish in his age group at an off-road qualifying event in the Czech Republic during Formula 1's summer hiatus. However, the World Championships take place on the same weekend as the Singapore Grand Prix, so he will be unable to use his place.
Bottas is closely involved with FNLD GRVL, a race held each summer in his native Finland. Cycling has become one of Bottas' main pursuits away from F1, frequently sharing training rides and races with Cromwell. Bottas has endured a difficult return to Formula 1 with new team Cadillac this season, sitting 22nd in the drivers' standings without scoring a point after 16 Grands Prix.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing