21/09/2014
NEWS STORY
If nothing else, the 0.007s advantage pole-mal Lewis Hamilton enjoyed over teammate Nico Rosberg in Q3 yesterday led to some (fairly) amusing headlines.
However, other than that superb lap from the Briton, who looked to have messed up at the very first corner, kudos also to Daniel Ricciardo who for a time looked as if had done enough to grab the prized grid slot.
All weekend we have seen that it is tight here, very tight, and when it really mattered we saw just how tight it is, with the top nine covered by just 0.569s.
Ignoring the possibility of the two main protagonists taking one another out at the first corner, the fact is that we are set for a real thriller, and for once Mercedes doesn't look to have it sewn up.
From FP1 the Red Bulls have been threatening but so too have the Ferraris, hard to believe following the debacle that was Monza. Fernando Alonso starts from fifth while, but for a software problem on his final run teammate Kimi Raikkonen - who was quickest in Q1 - might be starting higher up the grid than seventh.
Other than the Mercedes, Red Bulls and Ferraris, the other team clearly in the mix is Williams, with Felipe Massa, despite his unease with the balance of his car, looking to build on his Monza form.
The Toto Rosso duo has been thereabouts also, admittedly almost a second off the pace of the leading group.
The drivers, team bosses and engineers readily admit that this is one of - if not the - most demanding races on the calendar and therefore we can expect those demands to take their toll be it mechanical stress or brain fade.
Adding another element to this race is the new ban on radio certain radio communications which appears to have the experts as confused as we are. To add to the confusion, in its infinite wisdom yesterday FOM was broadcasting radio communications made whilst the cars were in their garages suggesting that drivers were still receiving (banned) instructions whilst on track.
Safety Cars have become the norm here so we can expect one at some stage or another, this in a race which already runs perilously close to the two-hour limit.
Being a street track and with the added element of breakdowns and the resultant safety car anything can - and probably will - happen. However, whilst we focus on the leaders, and in particular the fight for the title, let's not forget the importance of the battle behind where drivers are still seeking rides for next year and teams lok to the prize fund for their very survival.
McLaren has been disappointing here this weekend and though it is looking ahead to Honda's return in 2015 will not want to suffer the indignity of losing out to Force India in the constructor standings. Likewise Ferrari losing out to Williams, which in F1 terms is the Lazarus of 2014.
One team that really needs a point or three is Sauber whilst Lotus also needs a decent result.
Tyres are soft and supersoft. A three-stop strategy looks set to be most likely. Considering the high probability of the safety car especially at the beginning of the race, we are likely to see drivers start on the supersoft, change to supersoft again on lap 20, supersoft again on lap 36 and then finish the race on the soft from lap 51. On paper, this should result in a cumulative race time that is around 10 seconds quicker than the fastest two-stopper (start on supersoft, change to supersoft again on lap 22 and soft on lap 44). Fact is, there is historically 100% probability of a safety car in Singapore, and this will clearly have a significant effect on strategy.
There are two DRS zones. The first detection zone is 230m before Turn Five and the first activation point 50m after the same corner. The second detection point is 80m before the apex of Turn 22 and the activation point 45m after the apex of Turn 23.
The race here has never been wet indeed, we cannot remember a wet session. While much of this is said to be down to 'cloud seeding', fact is there was a very heavy downpour just minutes after the end of yesterday's session and we cannot believe even weather technologists can be that accurate.
An hour before the race it is hazy, mostly from the fires over Indonesia. As on Thursday, there will probably be health warnings. Hardly Monaco.
The pitlane opens and one by one the drivers make their way on to the track.
There's a late scare for Rosberg who appears to have a gearbox, or possibly software, issue. On his practice start he really struggled to get away leaving lots of rubber in the pitlane. On the grid an engineer tells Niki Lauda that the team has changed Rosberg's steering wheel and is now checking the data.
Told that the Mercedes duo have been told that whoever is leading in the first corner has the advantage and must not be challenged, Vettel says that he hopes he can overtake the pair of them, take the lead and they accept that he is the leader.
On the grid, ten minutes before the start, engineers are still checking Rosberg's steering wheel. Toto Wolff confirms there could be an "electronic problem".
"We've got a proper sweat on - and for once it's not down to the humidity," tweets Mercedes. Nonetheless, Niki Lauda looks fairly relaxed as he chats with Marco Mattiacci.
As the field heads off on the warm-up lap, as expected all are on the supersoft (option) rubber.
Rosberg is told that he has an intermittent fault and will have to make a manual start. "Fingers crossed," tweets the team. If he fails to get away he'll start from the pitlane. And fail he does.
By the way, air temperature is 29 degrees C and the track temperature is 36 degrees. Humidity is 65%.
Kobayashi also has a problem, he pulls off track half way around the parade lap. Rosberg is pushed to the pitlane and another steering wheel is fitted.
The grid forms.
They're away. Great start from Hamilton whilst Ricciardo moves over on Vettel the pair almost touching. Alonso misses the first corner after entering too quickly and will have to hand back position to Vettel who has held off his Red Bull teammate. Button and Bottas also almost touch. Rosberg gets away as Hulkenberg says he needs to change his front wing.
Hamilton, Vettel, Alonso, Ricciardo, Raikkonen, Massa, Button, Bottas, Magnussen and Kvyat.
"The only thing working on your dash is the gearshift paddle," Rosberg is told.
Alonso under investigation for exceeding track limits.
As he is told to pass Gutierrez, Perez says he too has a front wing issue.
No further action warranted say stewards re Alonso first lap incident.
At the back of the field Rosberg is all over Chilton as Magnussen is investigated for exceeding track limits (in the battle with teammate Button).
Hamilton posts a fastest lap (53.540) as he builds a 1.6s lead over Vettel.
As Vettel goes quickest (53.532), Rosberg finally passes Chilton and sets off after Ericsson. Damage limitation all the way today as he laps 4s slower than his teammate and title rival.
Ricciardo is told that his brakes are hot and that he must keep out of the dirty (hot) air from Alonso's car.
"Attack Magnussen," Kvyat is told, the Russian currently ninth, is under pressure from his own teammate, Vergne.
No further action following the Magnussen incident.
Rosberg catches Ericsson who is 4.8s down on Bianchi. The German faces a long afternoon.
2.3s down on the leader but 4.9s ahead of (third placed) Alonso, Vettel is told he's doing a good job in terms of fuel.
"What are we waiting for," moans Vergne as he finally nails his Toro Rosso teammate and sets off after Magnussen.
On board footage reveals the extent of Rosberg's issue, his car missing gears on the upshift. He wants to go up one gear, it shifts two.
At the end of lap 8, Sutil (18th) is the first driver to pit, the German taking on more options.
Hulkenberg pits at the end of lap 9 though there are no adjustments to his front wing.
Massa pits next time around, as does Kvyat and Grosjean. An early stop for the Williams and one which Ferrari will be monitoring.
Kvyat rejoins behind Rosberg who allows the Russian through. Animated conversation in the Mercedes garage.
Raikkonen, Bottas and Vergne all pit at the end of lap 11. The Williams driver leapfrogs the Ferrari during the stop.
Rosberg is told that when he pits the team will change his steering wheel (again) and drop him off the jack in order to get him started. The German was also without radio for the first laps of the race.
Vettel, Alonso and Ricciardo all pit at the end of lap 12, leaving Hamilton out in front all alone. Ericsson and Maldonado also pit.
"Box, box," Hamilton is told, and so he does. Vettel is told he cannot undercut the Mercedes and should therefore save tyres.
Sure enough, Hamilton rejoins still leading, ahead of Button, Vettel, Alonso, Ricciardo, Perez, Massa, Raikkonen, Bottas and Gutierrez.
As Rosberg pits at the end of lap 13, Verge is under investigation for exceeding track limits.
A disastrous stop for Rosberg, watched with total frustration from the pit-wall. At the second attempt to get the car going it still fails, the German waves his hands. "OK Nico," he is told, "let's park it."
In the meantime, Button has pitted, rejoining in ninth... on primes.
Toto Wolff hugs a totally dejected Rosberg as Vergne is handed a 5s penalty for exceeding the track limits.
Gutierrez and Bianchi pit, leaving Chilton as the only driver yet to stop.
Despite his problems, Rosberg stands at the back of the Mercedes garage, helmet still on, chatting to his wife and another young woman. He appears to be smiling. Who wouldn't?
After 16 laps, it's: Hamilton, Vettel, Alonso, Ricciardo, Masa, Raikkonen, Bottas, Button, Vergne and Magnussen.
Another stop for Gutierrez who appeared to have an issue with his right-rear at his previous stop. The Mexican climbs from his car… he's not happy.
Now leading Vettel by 7.3s, Hamilton posts a new fastest lap (52.882).
"We have a front-right puncture," Chilton is told, "in now".
Alonso posts a new fastest lap (52.849) as he sets about closing the 2.7s gap to Vettel. The Spaniard has a 4.2s advantage over Ricciardo.
Sauber reveals that Gutierrez had an "electrical problem with his power unit".
Vettel told to ignore his gearchange beeps and increase his lead over Alonso.
Hamilton is told that degradation is better than on his first stint. However, he has picked up some debris in his front wing but is urged not to panic.
At the end of lap 22, Massa makes his second stop. The Brazilian, currently seventh, rejoins in eleventh, ahead of Kvyat. Grosjean also pits.
In fifth, Raikkonen is told to "push, push, push".
Bottas and Kvyat pit at the end of lap 23, as does Maldonado.
Replay shows Maldonado pulling away whilst his front-left wheel gun was still attached.
Alonso pits at the end of lap 24, as does Vergne.
Nico moves sees Massa take Hulkenberg for eighth in T1.
As Vettel pits, at the end of lap 24, Hamilton is told; "it's all going to kick off soon".
Vettel switches to primes whilst Alonso is on the options. The German rejoins behind the Spaniard but the strategy will play out later in the race. Raikkonen and Hulkenberg also pit.
Bottas posts a new fastest lap (52.515) as Hamilton makes his second stop, the Briton, sticking (no pun intended) with options. It's a long stop, his crew cleaning the debris from the front wing slots. Magnussen also pits.
Ricciardo pits at the end of lap 27 as Alonso posts a new fastest lap (52.115). Ricciardo rejoins in fourth ahead of Button.
Of the leading ten - Hamilton, Alonso, Vettel, Ricciardo, Button, Massa, Raikkonen, Bottas, Vergne and Magnussen - all but Button have made a second stop. Vettel, Button, Massa and Bottas on primes.
Perez, Grosjean and Kvyat battling for twelfth.
As Hamilton posts a new fastest lap (51.405), Perez and Grosjean are side by side. Kvyat keeps a close watch. The Mexican subsequently pits.
Raikkonen closes in on former Ferrari teammate Massa.
Back on track, Perez has lost his front wing which is now lodged underneath the front of the car. This could be the aftermath of his first lap issue.
Out comes the Safety Car as replay actually shows Perez lost his wing when Sutil cut across in front of him.
As he is told to look for debris, Hamilton reveals he believes he has already run over some. Elsewhere, Alonso, Button, Raikkonen, Grosjean, Maldonado, Perez, Hulkenberg, Bianchi and Ericsson all pit.
Vergne locks up in T1 and runs wide. The Frenchman has already been penalised for such an incident earlier on.
Sutil and Maldonado pit.
As the marshals clear the debris, Hamilton leads Vettel, Ricciardo, Alonso, Massa, Bottas, Button, Raikkonen, Vergne and Magnussen. Vettel, Alonso, Massa, Bottas, Button and Raikkonen all on the prime rubber.
Ricciardo is advised not to run over the kerbs, his engineer admitting that there could be an issue with his car.
Told to have a drink, Magnussen says; "it's too hot, it burns my mouth!" Well blow on it Kevin, blow on it.
Rosberg watches the action - such as it is behind the Safety Car - from the pit-wall.
"Steering feels a bit weird," complains Bottas. "I've just noticed it," he adds, "I'll let you know if it gets worse."
5 second stop-and-go for Sutil for leaving the track limits and gaining an advantage.
Told about Sutil's penalty, Perez says; "he needs more than that, he put me in the wall". However, that penalty is for a separate incident involving Bianchi, the stewards are still investigating the clash with the Mexican that has brought about the Safety Car period.
To add to Perez' frustration, the stewards announce that no further action is warranted.
The Safety Car pulls off at the end of lap 37. Despite the cars behind being on primes Hamilton is told that he has the advantage. That said, we know that the Briton still has to make another stop in order to take on the primes.
Game on! Hamilton leads the field into T1 as the Safety Car disappears into the pitlane.
Hamilton sets a blistering pace, almost 3s quicker than his rivals on that first lap. As the Briton goes quickest in S1, Magnussen is all over Vergne who is all over Raikkonen.
New fastest lap for Hamilton (50.417) as he builds a lead of 6.258s over Vettel. Elsewhere, Massa is urged to make his tyres go the distance.
Sutil pits, probably to serve his penalty. In fact no, he drives straight into his garage, his race over. A(nother) disastrous weekend for Sauber.
Told that he needs to make his tyres go the distance, Vettel replies: "I don't think that's possible".
Hamilton is told that there are 20 laps remaining and that whilst one or two drivers may try to go the distance only time will tell. The Mercedes driver currently has a 10.4s advantage.
Chilton makes his third stop of the day.
After 42 laps (of 61), Hamilton is told he needs to make his current tyres (and pace) last another seven laps. The Briton doesn't sound convinced. His advantage is now up to 13.138s.
A bold, brave move by Hulkenberg on Kvyat, the Russian subsequently pitting.
"Oh my God, two hours without a drink, I'm dying here," complains Kvyat.
Maldonado, Grosjean and Perez battle for 13th.
Vergne and Perez both pit at the end of lap 44, the Frenchman to primes the Mexican to options.
Ricciardo, 3.1s down on his Red Bull teammate, is under increasing pressure from Alonso who is just 1.5s behind. Bottas has Button and Raikkonen in hot pursuit.
Magnussen pits at the end of lap 46, thereby promoting Maldonado into the points.
Button and Raikkonen close in on Bottas.
Ricciardo's engineer confirms that there are still issues with the Australian's car.
Kvyat and Perez locked in battle behind Ericsson. The Russian makes a move but the Mexican is having absolutely none of it.
With 11 laps remaining, Hamilton is told that he still requires another 5 seconds.
"That thing is so quick in a straight line," wails Button of Bottas' Williams.
"Hey guys, I need to box, my tyres are going off, I told you before," warns Hamilton. He currently leads Vettel by 25.550s.
Hamilton is told he needs to do another lap and also what his target time is.
At the end of lap 52, his crew are in the pitlane waiting as Hamilton finally stops. He rejoins 29.284s later behind Vettel but ahead of Ricciardo and Alonso.
On old tyres Vettel should be a sitting target for the Briton. In the pits the Red Bull crew spring into action… to no avail.
Hamilton nails Vettel into T7, as Button stops on track at T14, "no power, complete shut down," he reveals. Out come the yellow flags.
Another investigation for Vergne for exceeding track limits as Raikkonen closes in on Bottas who is told he's doing a "great job".
As Hamilton heads off into the distance, Ricciardo closes to within 0.618s of his Red Bull teammate, Alonso just behind.
Magnussen passes Maldonado, thereby dropping the Venezuelan out of the points.
Hulkenberg and Vergne close in on Bottas and Raikkonen.
Another 5 second stop-and-go for Vergne. If he doesn't serve it during the race the penalty will be added to his race time.
Whilst Hamilton enjoys his 10.187s lead, both Red Bulls clearly struggling for grip. Alonso keeps a watching eye on the Milton Keynes duo.
A bold move sees Vergne pass Hulkenberg to take eighth. Shortly after the Frenchman makes another superb move on Raikkonen to take seventh and then Bottas to take sixth. Amazing stuff from the Toro Rosso driver.
Behind Bottas are Raikkonen, Perez and Hulkenberg, unable to do what Vergne could do.
As the clock counts down, Perez makes a move on Raikkonen but to no avail.
Hamilton takes the flag and with it the championship lead. Vettel hangs on for second and Ricciardo third whilst Alonso finishes fourth.
However, it's last lap disaster for Bottas who loses a whole load of positions as his tyres are worn down to the carcass, he is passed by Perez, Raikkonen, Hulkenberg and Magnussen.
Hamilton wins, ahead of Vettel, Ricciardo, Alonso, Massa, Vergne - who remains sixth even with his penalty - Perez, Raikkonen, Hulkenberg and Magnussen.
Bottas is eleventh, ahead of Maldonado, Grosjean, Kvyat, Ericsson, Bianchi and Chilton.
For the second time this season Hamilton leads the championship, albeit by just 3 points and with five races remaining.
Williams maintains a lead over Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship whilst Force India re-passes McLaren.
Today's race not only sees Rosberg lose his title lead to his teammate but also allows Ricciardo to further close the gap, leaving the Australian very much in the mix.
Now we head off to Suzuka, where a number of titles have been decided and controversy is no stranger. We can't wait.
Check out our Race gallery, here.
Chris Balfe