Mat Coch writes:

There's something about Singapore that sets it aside from other Grands Prix. Sure, other races have more history - and who can beat the Italians for fanaticism - but there's just something about Singapore that agrees with Formula One.

The 2011 event will be the fourth Singapore Grand Prix, held around the twisting Marina Bay circuit just a stone's throw from the city centre. Dwarfed by the towering Marina Sands hotel and Millennium Flyer, once the sun goes down a ribbon of yellow light illuminates a concrete tunnel, beckoning the drivers forth.

Fans too are welcomed. Singapore has traditionally hosted an F1Rocks concert with a range of acts appealing to most tastes. I for one will be scampering for a glimpse of Linkin Park on Sunday night before strolling just outside the circuit to see what's doing.

Rumour has it a nearby hotel will be the scene for Sebastien Vettel's championship winning party, though there are a few things that need to fall in to place before that happens.

It's been reported that the team has secretly packed 80 caps proclaiming the German champion for the second year running, in much the same way as the team were emblazoned with black and gold T-shirts in Abu Dhabi last year. The champagne flowed freely that night as the Milton Keynes team, which started life as Stewart GP back in 1997, clinched its first driver's title. This time around they stand on the brink of retaining both drivers' and constructors' crowns.

Of course, Fernando Alonso and co will be doing their best to make sure it doesn't happen this weekend. Alonso has pedigree around the Marina Bay circuit which calls for total concentration and commitment. The Spaniard won the very first event here in 2008 in what transpired to be rather dubious circumstances. His win last year showed his skill alone is enough to land him on the top step of the podium, without the need for dubious assistance from his teammate, and with a fighting race in Monza at this early stage the Ferrari driver looks more than up for the fight.

So too does Lewis Hamilton. His Italian Grand Prix didn't go to plan, however it revealed a side of Hamilton which augurs well for the future. Curbing his natural aggression for lap after agonising lap he remaining stranded behind Michael Schumacher's Mercedes, the German making sure the 2008 champ didn't have an easy time of it. However rather than becoming frustrated and lured into an incident, the Englishman remained patient, biding his time and showing the world that he's come a long way from the overly aggressive youngster who burst on to the scene in 2007. That doesn't mean his weekend this time around will be any easier, with the race expected to last almost the full two hour duration, taxing driver's reserves as fitness and finesse behind the wheel become critical factors.

Even Bernd Maylander, who pilots the FIA Safety Car, is set for a workout in the Singaporean heat. He's led the third most number of laps here between the races two victors - Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. During the weekend Maylander and the medical cars will get their own practice sessions to familiarise themselves with the circuit.

Should it be wet we'll witness the first race, under lights, in such tricky conditions. With thunder showers forecast for both Saturday and Sunday it seems a strong possibility. Hot and humid conditions generally see the circuit dry quickly if the skies do open up, as was seen last year.

Whatever happens the stands are likely to be packed as the city comes to a standstill - or as much as a bustling metropolis like Singapore can - for the race. Billboards, flags and television commercials beckon the city to the circuit, and if the number of fans spilling through the airport yesterday was anything to go by the race should enjoy a bumper crowd.

And who knows, they might just see the crowning of the 2011 world champion.