Hamilton takes Singapore by storm

22/09/2012

Thanks to Vitaly Petrov, the true form ahead of this afternoon's all-important qualifying session remains a mystery.

While Sebastian Vettel has set the pace in all three practice sessions, the Russian's late clash with the barriers and subsequent red flag meant that most of his rivals never to complete a lap in qualifying mode with low fuel and supersofts.

There were three such incidents this morning, the others involving Sergio Perez and Mark Webber, however, the Russian's was the heaviest.

That aside, the Red Bulls, and in particular Vettel, do look strong here this weekend, which is pretty much what we expected.

The McLarens also look strong, with Jenson Button giving Lewis Hamilton a run for his money, determined not to give up on the title just yet.

Ferrari is also on the pace, with Fernando Alonso, a two-time winner here, one of the few to complete a quali-type run this morning.

While Mercedes and Lotus, in particular have not lived up to expectations, Force India is looking strong, the Silverstone based outfit targeting sixth place in the championship. To do that the India will need to overcome Sauber, the Swiss team's drivers really riding their luck this weekend as they attack the unforgiving kerbs full on.

However, while we focus on this afternoon, the leading teams will also be looking ahead to tomorrow. The difference between the soft and super-soft tyres is as much as 1.5s with some teams experiencing drop off with the options after just two laps. This leaves them with a dilemma in terms of tyre choice - and pit stop strategy - in the opening phase of the race, which is sure to impact their decisions ahead of Q3.

Ahead of the start of Q1, the air temperature is 28 degrees C, while the track temperature is 30 degrees. It is 21:00 local time.

Moments before the start, while most drivers are in their cars, some looking very, very sweaty, Vettel and Webber stand near to their cars looking very relaxed.

Other than a grid penalty for de la Rosa, following a gearbox change, Charles Pic has been his with a 20s penalty - to be added to his race time - and a day's community service for the FIA after passing four sets of red flags in this morning's second session.

Perez is first out, the Mexican having lost a lot of track time this morning following his brush with the barriers. Raikkonen is another early riser.

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