With Stoffel Vandoorne in Singapore and reserve driver Kevin Magnussen indisposed, it was inevitable the rumour mill would spring in to action.

In recent days, sections of the media have focussed on Kevin Magnussen's plans for 2016. Amidst claims that Jenson Button could be retained alongside Fernando Alonso, and with GP2 champion elect Stoffel Vandoorne waiting in the wings, the young Dane has been linked with a number of seats including Haas.

No sooner had the Dane revealed that he had fractured his left hand in a bike fall, than Pitpass was able to confirm that reports that McLaren has allowed his contract to "lapse" were incorrect.

Nonetheless, seeing that the youngster is right-handed and therefore still able to write (and sign contracts) media speculation continued.

Imagine the delight therefore when Vandoorne was sighted in Singapore, the Belgian youngster enjoying a GP2-free weekend. Naturally, sections of the media put two and two together...

Contacted by Pitpass, a McLaren spokesman was only too keen to shoot another rumour down in flames.

"Stoffel is in Singapore to do media work for Belgian TV, which arrangement was made many weeks ago," he sighed. "McLaren will not have an official reserve driver here in Singapore this weekend, although Stoffel will of course base himself at McLaren and will assist us when and where required."