The Singapore night race on the city streets is already a classic, despite this season being only the third time it has run.
This weekend will give a very good indication, however, of which team is likely to have the quickest car for the four races remaining after Sunday night’s contest.
Read the last F1 race report: Alonso wins Italian GP
The last two rounds were run at Monza and Spa, both these circuits, though, are anomalies in modern F1, with extensive long straights and fast sections.
The uniqueness of Monza and Spa gave the form book a slightly topsy-turvy look, with McLaren having race-winning pace at both events while Red Bull struggled.
See Autocar’s ongoing picture review of 2010 F1 season
Singapore is much more likely to suit the Red Bulls, however, with its bumpy surface and tight corners.
If McLaren and Ferrari are able to match their pace this weekend, it may be they are able to do so at the remaining five circuits.
If that is the case, what price having five drivers still in with a chance of winning the title come the start of the last race of the season in Abu Dhabi?
As for the rest of the field, Robert Kubica in the Renault is a good bet for this weekend. He has not had great results on the street circuit in the past two years, but the Pole is driving brilliantly at present.
Heidfeld returns to the F1 grid, replacing Pedro de la Rosa at Sauber and Christian Klien becomes HRT’s fourth driver this season replacing Sakon Yamamoto who is unwell.
My bet for the race: A straight scrap between the Red Bulls, with Vettel coming out on top.
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Re: Singapore GP: full preview
And they want to make an ecological F1... Laugh....
Re: Singapore GP: full preview
I know the views of Singapore by night are spectacular , but I don't like the circuit and I don't like night races.
Practice was interesting though. Wouldn't bet against another Alonso win, since overtaking here is tricky. A spot more rain could make it a lottery , of course.