Fernando Alonso Sets Pace Opening Practice at Marina Bay

Marina Bay Street Circuit

This weekend will see the grand prix starting at British Summer Time on race day.

Real-time coverage provided on radio channels and official website.

Practice Session Overview

Aston Martin's two-time champion topped the times beating Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and reigning champion during first practice for the Singapore Grand Prix.

The British team's championship contenders Australian rookie and Lando Norris wrapped up the session in P5 and P6.

Piastri was a notable margin speedier than the Briton.

The experienced Spaniard was a tenth and a half in front of the Ferrari driver and a clear gap faster than the Red Bull star.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton was fourth fastest.

Weekend Outlook

It is not expected that Aston Martin will be contenders for the top spot.

Nonetheless, the team are optimistic of a better weekend on a tight circuit that is better matched to their vehicle, which runs more competitively when significant amounts of downforce are called for.

Double world title winner Alonso is also renowned as a Singapore specialist, and usually excels on the Singapore circuit.

Yet he was likely running less fuel or a more aggressive setting than his rivals, or a combination, to achieve that pace.

Practice Conditions

His team-mate Lance Stroll was almost two seconds behind in the lower order.

The Canadian had problems with his seat during the initial runs and was also evaluating test items.

The first session in Singapore is not indicative of later performance for qualifying and race as it is held in bright conditions in early evening, while grid-deciding session and the race are held under floodlights.

Points Situation

The McLaren driver is ahead of Norris by a solid margin with remaining rounds ahead as they approach the event in the Lion City.

The Woking-based team are set to wrap up the manufacturers' crown on Sunday.

Sole scenario they can not tie it up in Singapore is if Mercedes surpass them by over thirty or Ferrari do so by a similar margin.

Competitor Outlook

Red Bull are optimistic of a positive weekend after recent successes in Monza and Baku ahead of this weekend.

They were relieved when drizzle occurring before the session stopped by the point the machines emerged on a track that had not been wet.

Team consultant Helmut Marko commented prior to running that they wanted a uninterrupted running to get underway on fine-tuning their chassis settings for the event.