Singapore GP Thread - Containing Race/Qualifying and Practice spoilers

[Fernando]

Following an incident-packed Italian Grand Prix, Formula One leaves Europe behind and embarks on a championship end-game that will see the teams and drivers take on seven long-haul ‘flyaway’ races in 10 action-packed weeks. And first on that list is the Singapore Grand Prix – the sport’s only true night race.

Singapore’s Marina Bay Street Circuit is the antithesis of high-speed, low downforce Monza. Here, on the winding roads of the Lion City, average speeds are some of the lowest in Formula One and the teams employ their highest downforce settings in an effort to ensure maximum grip around the 23 corners of the floodlit track.

In keeping with its street-circuit nature, grip is at a premium in the early practice sessions. The bumpy surface does ‘rubber in’ over the course of the event but, as the track is constantly evolving, teams are often left chasing the perfect set-up across the race weekend.

The night-race schedule presents its own challenges too, and in a bid to keep personnel at optimum performance levels at the right times, teams opt to keep everyone, including their drivers, on European time to cope with the demands of racing at 8pm. It’s also a long and demanding race, with all four of the races staged so far stretching to within five minutes of the two-hour mark. With temperatures and humidity still high despite the late start, it all adds up to one the toughest races of the year.

As the 2012 Formula One season heads into its final third, Fernando Alonso still leads the Drivers’ Championship. The Ferrari driver now has 179 points, 37 clear of Italian GP winner Lewis Hamilton, who has 142. Meanwhile, dark horse Kimi Raikkonen has snuck up on the rails and sits in third place, just a point behind Hamilton. In the Constructors’ battle, leaders Red Bull Racing, on 272 points, go to Singapore just 29 points clear of McLaren, while Ferrari have 226 points, nine ahead of Lotus.

CIRCUIT DATA


MARINA BAY STREET CIRCUIT



Length of lap:

5.073km

Lap record:

1:45.599

(Kimi Raikkonen,

Ferrari, 2008)

Start line/finish line offset:
0.137km
Total number of race laps:
61
Total race distance:

309.316km
Pitlane speed limits:
60km/h during practice, qualifying and the race



Changes to the circuit since 2011


► The track has been resurfaced on the approach to, and at the apex of, Turn 13.
► The outer pit lane has been resurfaced.
► All rubber kerbs have been replaced by fabricated steel sections anchored securely to the ground with 24mm diamter bolts.
DRS Zone
► The single DRS zone here remains unchanged from 2011. The detection point is at Turn 4 and the activation point is after Turn 5.


Singapore GP
Fast Facts
► Pirelli will offer its yellow-banded Soft and red-banded Supersoft tyre compounds this weekend. This combination was last used at the Canadian Grand Prix in June and before that in Monaco.
► As F1’s only full night race, the Singapore Grand Prix needs light –
a lot of light. In all, it requires 1,600 light projectors, with a total power requirement of 3,180,000 watts, all fed by 108,423 metres of power cables. The circuit lighting system pumps out around 3000 lux, making the track about four times brighter than a regularly floodlit sports stadium.
► The Marina Bay circuit is the second slowest of the year after Monaco, with an average speed of just 172 kph (106.8 mph) and an average cornering speed of 105 kph (65.2 mph). Approximately 46 per cent of the lap is taken at full throttle, compared with over 75 per cent at the last race at high-speed, low downforce Monza.
► Singapore’s 23 corners mean that the twisting layout is very hard on brakes. It doesn’t do gearboxes any favours either with drivers changing gear around 80 times per lap.
► Fernando Alonso is the most successful driver at the Singapore Grand Prix with two wins from the four events held so far, in 2008 and 2010. Lewis Hamilton won the 2009 edition and Sebastian Vettel won last year’s race.
► Prior to the inaugural edition of the Formula One race here in 2008, a Singapore Grand Prix had been run regularly from 1966-1973. The race was a Formula Libre event in which drivers raced a variety of car types. The winner of the final event in 1973 was Vern Schuppan, who also racked up 14 F1 races during his career. He made his Formula One race weekend debut in Belgium in 1972, but did not start as his car was raced instead by Helmut Marko. Schuppan’s first start came two years later at the 1974 Belgian GP and his final race was at the Dutch Grand Prix of 1977.
► The 2008 race was a memorable one for David Coulthard. His seventh place for Red Bull Racing netted him the final points of his F1 career. DC bowed out of F1 following that season’s final event in Brazil.
► Nick Heidfeld returned to racing here in 2010, having lost his F1 drive at the end of 2009 following the withdrawal of BMW from the sport. Nick spent the first part of 2010 as Mercedes test driver, then had a stint as Pirelli’s test driver. However, at the Singapore GP he was drafted in by Sauber to replace Pedro de la Rosa for the final five races of the season, thus rejoining a team he had raced for from 2001-2003, and, as BMW-Sauber, from 2006 until 2009. In Singapore, though, he retired following a collision with Force India’s Vitantonio Liuzzi.
► The Singapore GP is usually packed with incident and the safety car has intervened here at least once in every race since 2008.

Source: FIA

[Guest]

Can't wait for this weekend. Expecting fireworks. Can Hamilton continue his great form and reduce the points lead Alonso currently holds onto in the Championship or will Kimi surprise the pack and gain his first win of the season. Fully expect Red Bull to bounce back with a bang but with the high possibility of crashes and a safety car, this is surely just too unpredictable and impossible to call.

Also Hamilton's new helmet design for this weekend looks brilliant.

[Critical_mass]

Hamiltons Helmet looks good, but prefer the yellow - more distinctive.

I expect RB to be strong in this race also, should suit their car better than Spa and Monza. But then the Mclaren should be strong too... as strong as the RB, we'll see.

Id await FP3 at the earliest before making predictions.

Really hoping this championship comes down to a Lewis vs Alonso battle

[Guest]

Talking of helmets, I think Vettel's is just ridiculous. If Hamilton had flashing lights on his helmet the amount of abuse directed towards him and his supposed arrogant, celebrity led lifestyle would be stacking up in an instant that's for sure. I agree his yellow helmet is more distinctive but i'm glad he's changed his helmet design for this race but not crossed the line of being flashy or just attention seeking.

Red Bull do look more competitive this weekend already, although it's still early days. Interesting too see how the Mercedes update improves the car, essentially they've copied the McLaren exhaust system.

[Critical_mass]

Not watched any of the live Practice only the updates on the BBC site. Does Vettel's helmet really have flashing LEDs on it???

He'd get so much flak for doing that.

Will keep an eye out for the mercedes, im out of touch at moment until i get home from work.

Vettel is looking good.

[Critical_mass]

Doesnt look like the new Ferrari rear wing is working, Massa and now Alonso are using the old rear wing.

[monty junior]

Never thought i'd say it but Senna is plain awful.

[Guest]

Incredible speed by Hamilton to claim pole followed by shouts of 'sign him up' by Eddie Jordan. Must praise Maldonado for second.

Still think the race is a total lottery. Basically 100% guaranteed safety car tomorrow caused by Senna will mix things up and make everything completely unpredictable. Worried about Hamilton hitting the wall on his last lap in Q3 but McLaren seem unconcerned.

[monty junior]

I know i'm sticking the boot in to Senna, he sometimes races well but, he is an appalling qualifier, the amount of times Maldonado (fast but not Schumacher-esque) has beaten him by over a second is embarrassing.

I hope it's an exciting race tomorrow, great jobs today done by Hamilton,Maldonado and Di Resta ( that "average" driver at it again).

[Critical_mass]

Boom! Perfect.

Looked calm after that. No real celebration.

Well done to Maldonado. Take it easy into the first corner

Alonso is exactly where Lewis needs him to be.

[monty junior]

If i was a Ferrari fan i'd be worried, the Redbull and the especially the Mclaren have been significantly faster for the last three Grand Prix's. Unless the car is one of the best Massa can hardly qualify in the top 10, Fernando needs rain tomorrow otherwise another chunk will be taken from his lead.

[nadeem2099]

Interesting tactics by Mercedes by not posting lap times in Q3. Could backfire or be a stroke of genius by Ross Brawn.

[Critical_mass]

If i was a Ferrari fan i'd be worried, the Redbull and the especially the Mclaren have been significantly faster for the last three Grand Prix's. Unless the car is one of the best Massa can hardly qualify in the top 10, Fernando needs rain tomorrow otherwise another chunk will be taken from his lead.

Whats the weather report tomorrow?

If Lewis can be the first into the first corner, then he will hopefully pull away. Though the option tyres dont seem to last that long

[Guest]

If Lewis can be the first into the first corner, then he will hopefully pull away. Though the option tyres dont seem to last that long

Safety car(s) being called upon during the race will just negate any lead Lewis has built up during the race. Total lottery tomorrow's race in my opinion due to the SC record and the characteristics of the track. Luck will play a major role in the outcome, calling the right strategy in those moments that count will be crucial.

[Critical_mass]

Yeah that will definately be the case if there is a SC. I know its a high possibility but its not forced to happen. If they get to the first pit stop before a SC it'll help.

[Guest]

Obviously if Lewis is leading going into the first corner then we don't want a SC at all during the race, however the previous four races have all produced SC's at Singapore and if you saw the GP2 races and the other formula from this weekend then you will know what's going to happen.

Be interesting to see what Button can achieve tomorrow. I'm sure McLaren in pre-race meetings are hoping he can hold up Alonso, however I think Alonso being on the clean side of the grid will easily jump JB on the grid.

Going to be another tense race full of drama no doubt.

[dyrewolfe]

Wow - another imperious performance by Hamilton, a good half second quicker than anyone else.

Surprised that "someone else" was Maldonado but well done to him. I know he's put in some good quali performances before, but this one is up there with his best. If he keeps up this kind of performance I can see Williams dropping Senna like a hot potato at the end of the season. Still don't think Pastor will finish better than 5th or 6th.

A little surprised Vettel could only manage third, but I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him beat Pastor to the first corner, or at least pass him on the first lap.

Disappointed to see Button so much slower than his team mate, but then qualifying is not his strong suit. Reckon he'll lose another place to Alonso off the grid. Jenson will be relying on good race strategy to make up places, methinks.

Great quali for Di Resta - don't think he'll finish 6th but another points finish will be a good result. Expect Kimi and Felipe to move up the places, at the expense of Grosjean and one of the Mercedes.

Again, just hoping Lewis makes a good start like he did at Monza. Then again, safety cars and rain are a big possibility, so anything could happen...and probably will.

[Critical_mass]

wtf!!!!

[AlciG]

Lucky Alonso again Lewis out while leading and SC just after he has pitted for new tires... Its his year

[Critical_mass]

This safety car period is dragging on a little bit now...

[AlciG]

And a new one

[Critical_mass]

Faultless race by Vettel and Faultless race by Button.

Real bad luck for Lewis. Though still plenty of races for things to turn around again.

Alonso - once again he's there with a solid 3rd place. As eash race passes its lookin more and more like his to lose

[monty junior]

Magnificent drive from the "distinctly average" one, 4th after qualifying 6th and hustling Alonso the whole way home. Well done champ

[nadeem2099]

Will Schumacher get in trouble with the stewards after his crash with Verne or was it a racing incident?

[Critical_mass]

I suspect he will. Has done the other times he's done that anyway.

[nadeem2099]

Did he brake too late or was it partly the tires fault?

[monty junior]

Just looked to me like he locked his brakes on cold tyres after ten minutes behind the safety car, pointless giving him a penalty, racing incident.

[Critical_mass]

He said after that he didnt brake any later and that those infront seemed to brake a little earlier. They'd done at least one lap after the SC went in, so im not convinced it was cold tyres/brakes.

[Gerry SA]

Alonso is some driver. In a pretty ordinary car he can still get good results.

Just imagine what he would achieve in the McLaren.

I don't buy the Alonso is very lucky theory.

The guy is just a machine. Relentless.

Shame for Hamilton but he'll need some help from Button to keep up his title hopes.

[Critical_mass]

Shame for Hamilton but he'll need some help from Button to keep up his title hopes.

And now theres less chance of that happening now button has scored decent points today - even if he is still lagging behind still.

As for Alonso, he has had some look no denying that. Valencia for one.. .but then you have to be right there to capitalise on the luck.

[Alessandro Ciambella]

So Hamilton came into this race knowing he had mechanical gremlins and was told to look after the car. Poor Gearbox Management in race he could of cruised has cost him dearly. He had no need to thrash his car around the circuit but he still wanted to destroy the grid. Instead he destroyed any chance he has of winning the WDC.

The future? Well usually at the business end of the season when Hamilton is in the hunt for the WDC and has a mishap he has a tendency to try to hard to make up for it in the next race. Take 2010 where he drove desperately to make of for mistakes in Monza and Singapore trying impossible overtakes and the WDC slipped away.

I fear for other drivers now as Hamilton will try to hard again in the next race and will probably DNF.

As for the great one, how is Fernando Alonso still winning this championship? His car should not allow him to be anywhere near the summit. I'm just sad Ferrari have not given him a competitive car to defend his advantage.

[Critical_mass]

That ^^ and your lack of response to the response i gave you previous just proves how much of a troll you are AC.

Bad gearbox management, you talk such BS.... I think you'll find the team didnt find anything wrong when they looked at the car after quali, obviously no data to say other wise either. So no one KNEW. As for the bad gearbox management do explain with your infinate wisdom how he was supposed to stop it from happening, sure he could have short shifted and lost loads of time, just for hte box to give up anyway. Or he could have attacked like he did and take the risk.

Just when i thought you were getting better AC, you spurt this p00p out.


You really are a troll.

[liverbnz]

It seems that Button is open to helping Hamilton as much as he can - if that's what Martin Whitmarsh was beating around the bush about.

[Critical_mass]

It seems that Button is open to helping Hamilton as much as he can - if that's what Martin Whitmarsh was beating around the bush about.

When was that said, after yesterdays race?

Odd considering before Singapore he said that he wasnt willing until whilst it was mathematically impossible for him to win the WDC. But yesterdays results moved him closer to the top..... so...

[Belgarion of Riva]

Hamilton's championship is over. How Mclaren have managed to destroy both drivers chances of a world title and the constructors with the best car on the grid is a mystery.

The only way Hamilton can get back in contention is a couple of DNFs for Alonso but his car is nigh on indestructable and credit to Ferrari for building a supremely reliable car and for having competent members of staff who know what they are doing.

If ever there was a chance for Mclaren to win both championships, it was this one, a complete joke of a team and heads have to roll.

They've had the fastest car on the grid for most of the season and have bungled it for their drivers.

[Guest]

Let's get something very clear, Button is not 'open' to helping out Hamilton's championship bid. What was Button's challenge of joining McLaren? It was to race against Hamilton in an all-british team and attempt to win another title. Once the title's are out of the question, his sole aim is to beat Hamilton. He did it in 2011 and he suddenly tried to act as if he was the no.1 within McLaren and he got the media wrapped around his little finger to push through with the story of being the first teammate to beat Hamilton. Think if Button beat Hamilton again this season, it would be one remarkable achievement and something, I bet, is what he focuses on privately. He is only 23 points behind Hamilton after his latest DNF and some people say he's 'open' to helping Lewis.

Hamilton had the race under control and was not pushing, what would be the point of thrashing the car around building a 10 second lead when the inevitable SC would negate that advantage. AC you are a joke, your suggestion of poor gearbox management is laughable, it was a known issue prior to the race and Hamilton did his best. Alonso had a gearbox issue in Monza practice which he had changed but got away with it because of his Spa result of a DNF and didnt incur a 5 place penalty.

Generally a poor race in my opinion. I'm not sure if everyone is reading the picture correctly. Alonso should be worried. Yes, it's another podium but in my opinion with 6 races to go that Ferrari is inferior to the McLaren and Red Bull and without doubt my favourite for the title is Vettel. He's been under the radar all season, consistantly scoring points without getting the haul of win he did last season. 29 points behind Alonso in a superior car with 6 to go..........

As for McLaren, well it's another missed opportunity. Hamilton should be all over this title, yet he's not. You can't afford to Win, DNF, Win and then DNF. The only way Hamilton can win this title is with 100% reliability, 3 maybe 4 wins out of 6 and Alonso to achieve at least two DNF's as BofRiva has stated. It's not impossible but certainly he's going to need some luck now.

Great drive from Di Resta after some poor performances. Roll on Japan and some more inevitable early morning drama.

[Guest]

OMG! to just emphasise my point about Button he's been saying this!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/19696240

Button you ****. You say your going to start to help out Hamilton, yet you state it's a two horse race for the title between Alonso & Seb!

[liverbnz]

It seems that Button is open to helping Hamilton as much as he can - if that's what Martin Whitmarsh was beating around the bush about.

When was that said, after yesterdays race?

Odd considering before Singapore he said that he wasnt willing until whilst it was mathematically impossible for him to win the WDC. But yesterdays results moved him closer to the top..... so...

"Jenson has had a conversation with me, he initiated it," he told the BBC.

"He's an immensely competitive individual, but he's a team player.

"Things that happen in the future will come from within him. I'll never ask and I don't want to ask. If he chooses to do something in the best interest of the team, that's up to him."

He added: "At the moment, the best thing we can do is keep developing the car. Both drivers are going to be driving as fast as they can in Suzuka."


I suppose we'll see.

[Fernando]

Button you ****. You say your going to start to help out Hamilton, yet you state it's a two horse race for the title between Alonso & Seb!

Unless things go drastically wrong for either of them he's right it's a 2 horse race Hamilton is 52 points behind Alonso which is 2 races and there is only 6 left


also mind the language

[Guest]

Just infuriates me Button with his comments. His sole aim for the rest of the season is to beat Hamilton on points for the second consecutive season. There is no chance he will ever play the team game and help Lewis win a title that makes him the two time british champion compared to his one. Stating that you initiated the discussion to help Lewis and then catergorically deny he has any chance of winning the title ahead of Alonso or Seb emphasises my point.

Vettel is my favourite for the title. I can't believe people are saying that Alonso is nailed on for this title.

[monty junior]

I sincerely doubt deep down any competitive driver has ever wanted their teamate to win the title. I could understand is Lewis had finished and won the race that Button should yield and help him out but now Hamiltons just an outside bet like Raikkonen for the title. I think Vettel will win it, the Ferrari is not fast enough.

[Guest]

I think Vettel will win it, the Ferrari is not fast enough.

Yer without doubt, as I said Vettel has just been consistantly good this season without being in the limelight at all. People were quick to write him off after the blown diffuser issue, even I thought he would struggle but his performances have been quite brilliant. Alonso may think podiums are enough but I think Ferrari are worried. Even Luca Di Montezemelo came out after the race saying we need to bring updates quickly and that actually work, referring of course to the failed new rear wing. Vettel has momentum and without doubt will get full support from Red Bull now that Webber has faided.

I still think Hamilton has a chance but he's got to win and finish on the podium in the other at least in the the next two back to back races in Japan and Korea where he goes strong. Remember we're saying that Vettel is our favourite, well Hamilton is only 23 points behind Vettel. Looking further down the line Abu Dhabi is another Hamilton track, so all is not lost for him. Remember anything can happen in F1 and it usually does. Keep the faith

[monty junior]

In 2005 and 2006 Alonso was able to defend his points because of the relatively small differential from points between winning and being on the podium, now though Vettel just basically has to focus on outscoring Alonso every race and he'll win the championship, the Mclaren is quick enough to win every race from here on in so its not out of the question for Hamilton either. For me though its 55/45 in Vettels favour, it's not out and out the fastest but is certainly in a position to pop it at the front and out of trouble whereas i think Alonso will have a tough time with the likes of Williams,Force India and Lotus who can all take points off Ferrari if they are a bit below par.

[SteveG]

Managed to watch the race at an airport after pleading with a Dutch bar manager. No sound and had to miss the final 10 laps but never mind. Unbelievable bad luck for Hamilton - in total control and was crusing. You just coudnt make it up.

(Hami seems to have lots of fans abroad BTW - kept approaching the TV in broken English "GP GP - Hameelton Hameelton")

If Hami can't win then would rather Alonso lands the title. Vettel may be looking well placed BUT the fastest man on four wheels at the moment is Hamilton who is on fire and although the WDC may now be out of reach he is well capable of finishing in front of Vettel in all of the final six races. If Hami is looking to prove a point (and I think he is) then Alonso's one time nemisis is about to become his closest ally. How ironical.

[SteveG]

also see the Mercs didnt set a time in Q3 - think that rule will be changed for next season. Still - was looking to see if it would work and how fast they would be on the super softs near the end of the race - but missed the end. Ross seemed to have a decent result and seems to be optimistic for 2013 - sounds like they will also have a new exhaust system in Japan. PDR - great result and answered a few critics this weekend. Schumi - looks like he didnt keep on top of his brake temperatures. Vettel - always there to pounce. Button - dropped by Vettel at a drivers circuit. Webber - has completely lost his mojo. Massa - looked like he had re-discovered a bit of form but has dropped the ball again. Alonso - another podium makes 81 - say no more.

[Guest]

No sound and had to miss the final 10 laps but never mind. Unbelievable bad luck for Hamilton - in total control and was crusing. You just coudnt make it up.

You didn't miss much in the final 10 don't worry. I think everyone knew that Button would get dropped by Vettel after the SC. Seriously, it's unbelievable how many points he's dropped this year, basically would of had this title in the bag.......that's why it's such a shame. Everyone can see he's on fire at the minute but you can't challenge someone like Alonso with Win followed by DNF. I think there was probably a big sigh of disappointment from alot of people in the paddock when Hamilton DNF'd because it's his charge and natural speed and ability which is making the hunting down of Alonso so exciting during this championship.

I have no words to describe my feelings towards Button currently after comments that have been released post Singapore. I think realistically Hamilton is going to need at least 40 points from the next two races to stay in contention. (1 win & 1 podium)

[Trebs]

I thought Massa was superb yesterday, going from last to eighth with some great overtaking. I stand by what I've said before, that he'll be at Ferrari next season.

As for Hamilton, he was very unlucky and I believe that problem has cost him the title. Alonso or Vettel will win it, Button is spot on with his assessment. Raikkonen, Lewis and the others are too far back now. Alonso will just focus on getting podium results, that's what Ferrari need, keep out of trouble, and hopefully get Massa in the mix to take points off his rivals.

[SteveG]

Its certainly going to be an interesting finale John and although the title seems agonisingly over for Hami I still feel he'll have a big say in its eventual destination. Its just all so damn annoying - after Saturday it really looked as though Hami was going to hunt Alonso down in spectacular fashion.

[Guest]

I'm keeping the faith even if others including Button after writing off Hamilton. Of course being 52 points behind Alonso looks a huge gap but by Abu Dhabi for example, that lead could easily be down to say a 10 point lead or it could be up to an 80 point lead......that's the realism of the situation. Anything can happen in F1.

I really don't think podium finishes are going to be enough for Alonso and Luca di Montezemelo knows it.

[Critical_mass]

The way this season has gone i wouldnt write any of the top 5 just yet. Things could turn around.

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