Singapore has not been on the cards for very long. Infant it only first showed in 2008. But the thrill of the racing under lights combined with being a big business hub has secured it as one of the most important and exciting races on the calendar.
It should be no surprise that Mercedes have take the top two spots on the grid for tomorrow’s race, however nobody would have called qualifying boring. With only 0.007 seconds between them, Lewis Hamilton rides his new wave of confidence into first place on the grid ahead of disappointed team mate Nico Rosberg.
Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo sat on the top spot for a short time showing the team has good pace coming into the race but fell to third on the grid ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the other Red Bull.
Ferrari put on a great show in Q1 and Q2 but simply didn’t have the pace in Q3. Kimi Raikkonen suffered a failure that put an end to his qualifying despite his superb performance in the first two sessions. Where as Fernando Alonso once again out drove the Ferrari to take fifth on the grid ahead of Williams Felipe Massa.
Jenson Button was the biggest casualty of Q2 as a lock-up at the hairpin on his final lap saw him miss out on a place in the top ten by just 0.017s. The McLaren was sandwiched by the two Toro Rossos, with Kvyat scraping through and Jean-Eric Vergne dropping out along with Nico Hulkenberg, Esteban Gutierrez and Sergio Perez.
Qualifying Results
1. Lewis Hamilton Britain Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 45.681s
2. Nico Rosberg Germany Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 45.688s
3. Daniel Ricciardo Australia Red Bull-Renault 1m 45.854s
4. Sebastian Vettel Germany Red Bull-Renault 1m 45.902s
5. Fernando Alonso Spain Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 45.907s
6. Felipe Massa Brazil Williams-Mercedes 1m 46.000s
7. Kimi Raikkonen Finland Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 46.170s
8. Valtteri Bottas Finland Williams-Mercedes 1m 46.187s
9. Kevin Magnussen Denmark McLaren-Mercedes 1m 46.250s
10. Daniil Kvyat Russia Toro Rosso-Renault 1m 47.362s
11. Jenson Button Britain McLaren-Mercedes 1m 46.943s
12. Jean-Eric Vergne France Toro Rosso-Renault 1m 46.989s
13. Nico Hulkenberg Germany Force India-Mercedes 1m 47.308s
14. Esteban Gutierrez Mexico Sauber-Ferrari 1m 47.333s
15. Sergio Perez Mexico Force India-Mercedes 1m 47.575s
16. Romain Grosjean France Lotus-Renault 1m 47.812s
17. Adrian Sutil Germany Sauber-Ferrari 1m 48.324s
18. Pastor Maldonado Venezuela Lotus-Renault 1m 49.063s
19. Jules Bianchi France Marussia-Ferrari 1m 49.440s
20. Kamui Kobayashi Japan Caterham-Renault 1m 50.405s
21. Max Chilton Briton Marussia-Ferrari 1m 50.473s
22. Marcus Ericsson Sweden Caterham-Renault 1m 52.287s
107% time: 1min 54.152secs
all times unofficial
Who do you think will take out top spot in the race? How many safety cars, if any, do you predict? Are you cheering on Hamilton or Rosber? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation in the Forums.
Singapore
In 2008 Singapore had the honour of hosting the first night-time event in Formula One history. The inaugural Singapore Grand Prix proved a huge hit, staged on a new street circuit, with the city’s famous skyline providing a truly spectacular backdrop.
The race was announced in May 2007 following the agreement of a five-year deal between Formula One Management CEO Bernie Ecclestone, Singapore entrepreneur Mr Ong Beng Seng, and the Singapore Tourism Board.
It instantly established itself as one of the most dramatic and atmospheric races on the calendar. The timing of the event also means it can be broadcast at a convenient time for European television audiences as well as thrilling local fans.
Using public roads around the Marina Bay area, the circuit utilises powerful lighting systems to replicate daylight conditions and the most stringent safety protocols ensure driver and spectator safety.
Grandstand seating and hospitality areas lining the track can accommodate more than 80,000 spectators, while a permanent pit area with deluxe paddock facilities is located adjacent to the Singapore Flyer complex.
The event is more than just a motor race. “We envision it to be a national festival, and one that presents many opportunities for participation for everyone, both visitors and Singaporeans alike,” said Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr S Iswaran.
Race Date: | 21 Sep 2014 |
Circuit Name: | Marina Bay Street Circuit |
First Grand Prix: | 2008 |
Number of Laps: | 61 |
Circuit Length: | 5.065 km |
Race Distance: | 308.828 km |
Lap Record: | 1:48.574 – S Vettel (2013) |
Images, Track history: Formula1.com, Crash.net
Roger Baillie (Twitter @Rojn8r)