Despite some unhealthy level of air pollution caused by the smoke of a forest fire near Singapore, it has been decided that the 2014 Singapore Grand Prix will go on, as scheduled. After a very close qualifying session between the Mercedes pair, Lewis Hamilton was able to take pole position from Nico Rosberg by only 0.007 seconds. Red Bull was not far off of the Mercedes pace and neither was the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso. There should be lots of battling in the race.
Because Singapore is a street circuit, speed is not the primary factor; a car with high down force and great cornering abilities makes for the ideal Singapore race. Mercedes will have very little advantage over the rest of the field, as their cars are best for top speed, but lack in down force. Red Bull has been closing in on Mercedes since day one of the 2014 season and will surely have the advantage, with a car that corners beautifully.
I think that Daniel Ricciardo has what it takes to add another win to his rapidly growing collection of Formula One™ victories. Sebastian Vettel is in the same car, however, it is clear that his is certainly not performing at his best this season and having never won a race from out of third position on the grid, a victory seems a little far off.
Of course locking out the front row of the grid, the Mercedes duo should be able to maintain the remaining two steps on the podium. Hamilton has proven that he is the better driver at Singapore and should be able to get second position. Of course, it is important not to forget about Alonso, who was successful in all of the practice sessions and will be starting from fifth position. He will surely give the Mercedes team a run for their money, but I only picture him in fourth position at best.
It is a tough decision for the fifth position, but I will have to say that Jean-Eric Vergne will fill that position. Vergne is starting from twelfth on the grid, but has proven how much potential he has. He was successful in the practice sessions, despite being stuck in a Toro Rosso. He has so much potential and it is saddening to see him dumped from the Toro Rosso team. I’m hoping that we will see him again in 2015 with a better team.
Street circuits are my personal favourites. I love the Singapore Grand Prix and I am looking forward to the race. Best of luck to all of the drivers and teams.
1 Daniel Ricciardo
2 Lewis Hamilton
3 Nico Rosberg
4 Fernando Alonso
5 Jean-Eric Vergne
