Fernando Alonso Tops Opening Session at Singapore Grand Prix

Marina Bay Street Circuit

3-5 October will see the grand prix kicking off at 13:00 BST on race day.

Live coverage streamed on digital platforms and BBC Sport.

Practice Session Overview

The team's Fernando Alonso topped the times beating Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Dutch ace during first practice for the street circuit event.

The British team's title rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris wrapped up the run in P5 and P6.

The young Australian was a notable margin quicker than his teammate.

Alonso was a tenth and a half ahead of Leclerc and 0.276secs clear than the Red Bull star.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton was just outside the top three.

Team Strategies

It is not expected that the Silverstone-based team will be front-runners for the top spot.

That said, the squad are hopeful of a improved performance on a tight circuit that is ideally suited to their vehicle, which runs more competitively when significant amounts of downforce are needed.

Two-time champion Alonso is also renowned as a street circuit master, and often shines on the night race venue.

However he was likely using a lighter load or a increased power than his rivals, or each, to achieve that pace.

Practice Conditions

Partner Canadian racer was almost two seconds off the pace in 18th place.

Stroll had problems with his driving position at the start and was also evaluating new components.

Opening practice in Singapore is not indicative of later performance later in the weekend as it is held in daylight in the daytime, while qualifying and the race are held under floodlights.

Points Situation

Piastri has an advantage over Norris by 25 points with remaining rounds ahead as they approach the Grand Prix in Singapore.

McLaren are poised to secure the manufacturers' crown on Sunday.

Single possibility they can fail to secure it in Singapore is if Mercedes surpass them by thirty-one or the Scuderia achieve that by 35.

Rival Teams

Red Bull are optimistic of a good performance after Verstappen's victories in Monza and Baku ahead of this event.

It was a relief when light rain falling before the session abated by the moment the machines took to the track on a circuit that had stayed clear.

Team consultant Red Bull's advisor commented prior to running that they needed a clear session to make a comprehensive start on fine-tuning their car configuration for the Grand Prix.

Kyle Cooper
Kyle Cooper

Tech strategist and writer passionate about AI advancements and digital solutions.