.:: 2010 Singapore GP - 24-25-26 September ::.

.:: 2010 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX ::.

Welcome to the 2010 Singapore GP Thread. cjek and mjk1 will keep the thread updated with the latest times as they happen.

RANDOM FACT

The night race has yet to see a race finish in less than 1 hour and 55 minutes - just five minutes off the time limit.

CIRCUIT STATS

2010 Race Number: 15
Circuit Event Number: 3
Circuit Length: 3.152 miles
Number of Laps: 61
Lap Record: 1:45.599 [K.Raikkonen, 2008]

2009 Podium:
1. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2. Timo Glock (Toyota)
3. Fernando Alonso (Renault)

POINTS OF DISCUSSION

1. How competitive do you feel Nick Heidfeld can be on his return to F1?
2. As of yet, Mark Webber has yet to finish a race in Singapore. Do you feel that the trend will continue for the championship leader, or can he get a good result third time round?
3. With two events gone, do you feel that Singapore has earnt its place as a Formula One circuit, or does it rely too much on accidents for a good race?
4. With Hamilton retiring from the Italian GP early on, and with none of the circuits left seemingly favouring the McLaren, did Lewis blow his one remaining chance to build a gap over his title challengers?
5. With it being expected that Lotus will announce their Renault engine deal this weekend, how well do you see them performing in 2011?

SCHEDULE FOR WEEKEND

Fri 24 Sep: Practice 1 1100-1230; Practice 2 1430-1600

Sat 25 Sep: Practice 3 1200-1300; Qualifying 1500

Sun 26 Sep: Race 1300

WEEKEND WEATHER

FRIDAY: Partly Cloudy, Min. 25 deg. cent.
SATURDAY: Light Rain Shower, Min. 25 deg. cent.
SUNDAY: Heavy Rain Shower, Min. 25 deg. cent.

PRESS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

THURSDAY:Nick Heidfeld (BMW-Sauber), Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus), Vitaly Petrov (Renault), Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) & Mark Webber (Red Bull). 10AM GMT.

FRIDAY:Stefano Domenicali (Ferrari), Tony Fernandes (Lotus), Colin Kolles (HRT) & Peter Sauber (BMW-Sauber). 3:15PM GMT.

QUALIFYING:Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) & Lewis Hamilton (McLaren).

RACE:Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) & Mark Webber (Red Bull).

BBC CIassic GP's
1979 Dutch GP | 1980 French GP | 1982 Detroit GP | 1985 San Marino GP | 2009 Singapore GP
Extended Highlights: 1982 Detroit GP | 1985 San Marino GP | 2009 Singapore GP

The Red Light: Singapore GP Preview

BBC Presents the 2010 Singapore Grand Prix

PREVIOUS SESSIONS
Friday Practice 1
Friday Practice 2
Qualifying
Race (Unavailable)
Forum (Unavailable)

1. He should be on the ball and he tends to do well in the way of race pace and strategy. I imagine Kobayashi may out-qualify him but I don't think "Quick Nick" will lose to him in the race - atleast my predicitons hope so!
   
2. Webber has a tendency to normally do quite well at street circuits due to his ability to quickly assess grip levels and set times that the car and track can give up. Now he has the car beneath him and the RB6 has performed favourably at Valencia and Monaco, both high downforce point and squirt type circuits, I see Webber being very much in contention for the win.
    
3. It doesn't even rely on incidents to make it exciting. The race, frankly, is FAR too long or the circuit too slow so a redesign is certainly needed so the race isn't on such a knife edge to finish on time. If the race was rain affected in any significant way the race wouldn't be completed in the normal way.
   
4. Lewis did wha's expected of him, race slightly too hard and on occasion get it wrong. The McLaren is too stiffly sprung to race well in Valencia without changes to allow the car to still run close enough in the ground to feed the enormous diffuser while being able to be soft enough to absorb the bumps, yet stiff enough to keep the ride height constant so as not to lose the downforce. So, without changes the McLaren will be weaker here but should still be reasonable at the remaining circuits - depends how the developments go but I don't think the McLaren should beat the Red Bull on pure performance in this end season period, they may also struggle to match Ferrari.
   
5. Lotus should be able to move toward the midfield next year, at least I hope they can shake off the formula 1.5 status the new teams have at present.

TWEAKS MADE TO SINGAPORE CIRCUIT

Singapore Grand Prix organisers have made minor revisions to the circuit ahead of this weekend's race in a bid to improve safety and driver comfort.

After complaints in recent years about severe bumps, resurfacing has taken place between Turn 3 and Turn 7, as well as between Turn 14 and 19.

The pitlane has also been lowered by one centimetre since last year's event - which should ensure a smoother transition when drivers rejoin the track.

The controversial Turn 10 'Singapore Sling' chicane - scene of Kimi Raikkonen's crash in 2008 - has also been altered. With the design of the corner having been a cause for concern among drivers over the past two years, the kerbs have been re-profiled to make the turn more gradual.

As well as undertaking changes for safety reasons, Singapore organisers have also made an effort to improve the look of the venue - with track walls now painted in bright colours, and run-off areas also decorated.

SOURCE: Autosport

POINTS OF DISCUSSION

1. How competitive do you feel Nick Heidfeld can be on his return to F1?
   I'd like to think Nick Heidfeld would be fairly competative but he'll need a race weekend or two to get back into it, I can't see the point of bringing him back for two races to be fair to Nick, with the post season car development for the 2011 season, he could end up with a completetly different feeling car.
   
2. As of yet, Mark Webber has yet to finish a race in Singapore. Do you feel that the trend will continue for the championship leader, or can he get a good result third time round?
   I think it is more down to luck than the driver or his car, Mark Webber has had his best season in F1 this season, and I'd hope for him that he is there or there abouts for a podium finish to keep the title so close going into the last races.
   
3. With two events gone, do you feel that Singapore has earnt its place as a Formula One circuit, or does it rely too much on accidents for a good race?
   It's a brand new circuit so it'll take a couple of years to fine tune it, and without races they'd be unable to find out what they needed to change and how they needed to make improvements to make it as good as it has the potential to be. The few changes that have been made seem to be a step in the right direction, and only once the race is and comparissons are made can you really tell if things are improving significantly enough.
   
4. With Hamilton retiring from the Italian GP early on, and with none of the circuits left seemingly favouring the McLaren, did Lewis blow his one remaining chance to build a gap over his title challengers?
   What happens with the other teams will also be a important factor, if Hamilton can keep the car on the track and at least stay within the top six, there is always that chance that one of the other cars will retire, as we saw in the last race of the 2008 season.
   
5. With it being expected that Lotus will announce their Renault engine deal this weekend, how well do you see them performing in 2011?
   They can't do any worse than they have done this season, can they?
   

Engine usage to date:
McLaren Mercedes
1 Jenson Button 7
2 Lewis Hamilton 7

Mercedes GP
3 Michael Schumacher 7
4 Nico Rosberg 7

RBR Renault
5 Sebastian Vettel 7
6 Mark Webber 6

Ferrari
7 Felipe Massa 8
8 Fernando Alonso 8

Williams Cosworth
9 Rubens Barrichello 6
10 Nico Hulkenberg 7

Renault
11 Robert Kubica 6
12 Vitaly Pertrov 6

Force India Mercedes
14 Adrian Sutil 7
15 Vitantonio Liuzzi 7

STR Ferrari
16 Sebastien Buemi 7
17 Jaime Alguersuari 7

Lotus Cosworth
18 Jarno Trulli 7
19 Heikki Kovalainen 7

HRT Cosworth
20 Sakon Yamamoto 7
21 Bruno Senna 7

BMW Sauber Ferrari
22 Nick Heidfeld (formerly Pedro de la Rosa's car) 9
23 Kamui Kobayashi 7

Virgin Cosworth
24 Timo Glock 7
25 Lucas Di Grassi 7

SOURCE: Official F1 Website

Sullivan to join stewards again

Danny Sullivan is to return to action as the FIA's drivers' steward at the Singapore Grand Prix.

The American first took on the role as the drivers' representative on the stewards' panel at the German GP in July, and he has been asked back again for his input.

Sullivan raced in Formula 1 for Tyrrell during 1983, but his greatest success came in the United States - where he won the Indianapolis 500 in 1985 and the 1988 CART Indycar title for Penske.

SOURCE: Autosport.com

A wet race in Singapore... Hmmmm, now, as much as this sounds a fun prospect which don't get me wrong it certainly sounds it... a few things sping to mind as to what could cause some serious problems.

Fuel: These cars are gonna have to be filled to the brim if they are gonna make the end of the grand prix, especially if its gonna be Wet

Weight and Brakes: The weight of the fuel on these cars is gonna be tremendous in the first 10-20 laps and with the circuit already having a reputation for being a brake breaker (lolgetit?) as we saw from Mark and Jenson last year, Add wet conditions into the mix and I feel it'll be on the verge of dangerous for Driver, Marshall and Spectator safety.

Visibility: If we're going to have a tipping wet weekend, which knowing Asian whether it more than likely will be, for any of us that drive, sunlight on the road after a heavy shower is quite blinding... now. Imagine an Asian rainshower on a circuit, Spray from 24 F1 cars that using intermediate tyres and kick up 40litres of water a second EACH, and the ultraviolet lights above the circuit lighting up the place... Severe safety concern IMO

But hey, I could be wrong.

BREAKING NEWS: KLIEN TO STAND IN FOR YAMAMOTO

Austrian Christian Klien will replace Japan's Sakon Yamamoto in the Hispania team for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Hispania said in a statement that Yamamoto, who joined the cash-strapped team at the British Grand Prix in July, was ill and would not be able to drive.

Team principal Colin Kolles said: "It looks as if Sakon Yamamoto has food poisoning, and he doesn't feel well.

"Because of this, Christian Klien will be driving the car this Friday and the rest of the Singapore Grand Prix."

Kolles added that he hoped Yamamoto would be "able to drive at his home Grand Prix in Japan", which is the next race in two weeks' time.

SOURCE: BBC SPORT

"Working into the early hours at Singapore's night race seems to be causing giddy bouts of high spirits. Lotus Racing held a media briefing on Friday to announce that from 2011 they will race under the historic Team Lotus banner - but only after Lotus driver Heikki Kovalainen had hijacked the conference. 'Welcome to my event,' joked the Finn with a cheeky grin. 'I'm announcing that I'm taking over Ferrari and rebranding it Lotus. Mika Hakkinen will come back and Keke Rosberg, but I will be the number one driver...' Cue his Lotus team-mate Jarno Trulli, who looked less than impressed. After this amusing tableau, pit-lane reporter Ted Kravitz demonstrated his confusion over just when and where the driver interviews are taking place. Hee hee!"Sarah Holt

Sometimes, you just gotta love Heikki :lol:

2010 Singapore Grand Prix - Friday Practice 1

2010 Singapore Grand Prix - Friday Practice 2

Ferrari to replace Massa's engine

Ferrari will change Felipe Massa's engine for the Singapore Grand Prix, even though the Brazilian said the problem that hit him in qualifying was related to the gearbox.

The Ferrari driver, who has already used the eight allocated engines for the season, stopped on track during Q1 and was unable to set a time.

Although Massa said the problem was with the gearbox, the team will use the opportunity to replace the engine with a new one - the ninth of the season - since the Brazilian will start from the back of the grid anyway.

"I had a problem with the gearbox which seized unexpectedly, without giving any warning and so I had to stop out on the track: now we have to understand exactly what happened," said Massa.

"We will change the engine as a precaution, also taking into account the fact I am last on the grid.

"I'm expecting to have a very complicated race, especially as we are at a track where overtaking is very difficult, but it's true that anything can always happen: rain, safety car, who knows!

"I am very disappointed of course because today we had a very competitive car, as Fernando proved. I like this track but it seems that it does not bring me much luck..."

SOURCE: Autosport.com

2010 Singapore Grand Prix - Race Result

Best race at Singapore yet! Alonso and Vettel fighting constantly, Webber making up for a dud quali with a good strategy call and pace. Massa makes up 14 places to get a point. Kubica tags in a second set of primes and whips out some of the best overtaking I've seen in yonks while Hamilton and Webber still can't quite negotiate turns together. AND to top it all off Heikki bursting into flames on the penultimate lap, superb.

Driver of the Day: Rovertakebert Kubica - A legend for his last 10 lap shenanigans. A close second goes to Sebastian Alonso for their efforts up front.

Star of the Day: Heikki "Here, let me put that out for you, Kovalainen.

I agree with all KimisApprecntice's comments - what a great race. After the first lap I was afraid it was going to be a bit of a procession - am I ever glad I was wrong :D

DotD: Kubica for all that overtaking - really hope he gets a championship winning drive for next year

SotD: So many to choose from - Kovalanien for his fire marshall efforts, Nicole Scherzinger for making maximum use of her time on camera - AGAIN :lol:, Vettel for the way he harried Alonso, Alonso for a virtually flawless drive but I am going to jump on the SamFisher bandwagon and go with Vettel's grid girl - bless her she was great :D:D

Vettel's grid girl - bless her she was great :D:DSadPSPAddict

DotD: Robert Kubica for his brilliant overtaking. Imagine if he was in a Ferrari or Red Bull!

SotD: I have to give it Fernando Alonso. A supreme drive and his ability to soak up all the pressure Vettel was putting him under was masterful.

DotD: Kubica. Overtaking master of Singapore.

SotD:  Kovalainen the fireman.

Best race I've seen this year!

What a battle between Alonso and Vettel. Also, Kubica with his classic yet masterful overtakings.

Tough luck to Hamilton. It was a great move but Webber stuck to his line.

4 races to go and 5 drivers are in for the championship! AWESOME :D

[QUOTE="SadPSPAddict"]Vettel's grid girl - bless her she was great :D:DXSamFisherX

Yeah very painful to watch - but ( and I might be wrong ) I don't think they get the job for their brains nor for how many languages they speak :lol:

DotD: I'm struggling to pick here. There's four candidates for two different reasons. There's Alonso and Vettel for near faultless performances, and there's Kubica and Webber for the overtaking fest both provided. I think, just on the basis of the performance, and how he won it before the first corner, I'm gonna go with Alonso.

SotD: Kubica.

DRIVERS OUT OF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENTION

Adrian Sutil (Force India) - Italy
Michael Schumacher (Mercedes GP) - Italy
Karun Chandhok (HRT) - Belgium
Sakon Yamamoto (HRT) - Belgium
Bruno Senna (HRT) - Belgium
Lucas di Grassi (Virgin) - Belgium
Timo Glock (Virgin) - Belgium
Jarno Trulli (Lotus) - Belgium
Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus) - Belgium
Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso) - Belgium
Pedro de la Rosa (BMW-Sauber) - Belgium
Sebastien Buemi (Toro Rosso) - Belgium
Nico Hulkenberg (Williams) - Belgium
Vitantonio Liuzzi (Force India) - Belgium
Vitaly Petrov (Renault) - Belgium
Kamui Kobayashi (BMW-Sauber) - Belgium
Rubens Barrichello (Williams) - Belgium

CONSTRUCTORS OUT OF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENTION

Mercedes GP - Singapore
Renault - Italy
HRT - Belgium
Virgin - Belgium
Lotus - Belgium
Toro Rosso - Belgium
BMW-Sauber - Belgium
Williams - Belgium
Force India - Belgium

Dotd: Kubica carving his way through the field was a joy to watch

Sotd: Kovalainen in a moment that summed up what Sotd is all about

Heikki Fireman Kovalainen FTW all weekend XD

DotD: Kubica. With an honorable mentions to Alonso, Vettel.

SotD: Kovalainen without a doubt!

DotD: Kubica. With an honorable mentions to Alonso, Vettel.

SotD: Kovalainen without a doubt!

SchumiF1

...sorry fella, tad too late. Maybe I should've mentioned that when I was counting the results... would've been a good idea :lol: