Mat Coch writes:

Red Bull has thrown a gauntlet at the feet of the opposition with a commanding performance during the opening day of practice in Singapore. Though true pace is yet to be determined, the general consensus is that the Milton Keynes squad is the team to beat.

Lewis Hamilton was fastest in the early session before Sebastian Vettel went more than a second faster than everyone bar teammate Mark Webber, the Australian only able to get within six-tenths of the German.

"It hasn't been the best track for me so I'm happy with how it went today," Webber told reporters after the session. "We're competitive with both cars, and that's the main thing."

Following on from problems in Monza Red Bull had inspected Webber's gearbox ahead of the opening practice session. Oil pressure problems in Italy saw the Australian forced to short-shift out of second gear. With the same gearbox in the car this weekend the team was taking no chances.

Allowed under the rules there was no penalty for Webber, though there remain questions as to whether his gearbox is up to the job or whether it needs to be changed. With overtaking difficult track position is critical, so any change would not be considered lightly, if it's indeed needed at all.

Across the garage Vettel shares his teammate's optimism though he remains weary of the threat Mercedes could pose. "The time we set was a surprise today, I got a good lap in, but I don't think it's completely representative," he warned.

"We seem to be quick, but I think Mercedes will be very strong in qualifying tomorrow."

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