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Singapore GP has been a good hunting ground for the Milton Keynes based team, Red Bull Racing-Renault and this year too they will be looking forward to a good result to help them move closer to a fourth consecutive Driver’s and the Constructor’s Championship.
The Marina Bay track, though twisty and bumpy, seems to suit the Red Bulls as they have had at least one podium finish in the last four editions of the race. Both their drivers seem to have adjusted to the odd timings of the race over the past few years after having their inhibitions at the inaugural event.
Sebastian Vettel is on his way to win the Driver’s Championship with ease and doesn’t need to do much more than just finishing in the top five. Given his performance in the last two races and the German’s aspirations, he definitely wouldn’t mind winning the Singapore GP for the third consecutive time.
And he surely wouldn’t leave any door open for Fernando Alonso, his nearest rival in the points table. Vettel has won six races out of the twelve races this season and still going strong for a few more. For Vettel, the key at Singapore would be the qualifying and he would be gunning for P1 as that would help him to pull-off a lead on the rest of the pack as it happened in Spa and Monza.
But as the Marina Bay track has a reputation of the dreaded safety car making its entry, Vettel would have to be careful and not complacent during the race. While the car setup will be a critical aspect of Vettel’s strategy, tyre management and the possibility of rain would also have to be taken into account.
Sebastian Vettel’s Record at Singapore GP
Number of Race Starts | 5 |
Wins | 2 (2011,2012) |
Pole Positions | 1 |
Podiums | 1 |
Mark Webber
The veteran Australian would be looking to carry on from his podium finishing performance at Monza. After deciding to bid goodbye to Formula One at the end of the season, Webber seems to be driving far more comfortably and aiming for the best possible finish in what are to be the last few races of his Formula One career.
He was eleventh last year but shared the podium with his teammate in the 2010 and 2011 editons. He would be eager to do a repeat of his podium finish this time around as well. While there are no doubts on the grit and determination aspect of his racing, Webber now has no pressure on him. A good qualifying with a row one or row two on the grid could boost his chances of being on the podium. With just seven races remaining in the season, he would also play a pivotal role if Red Bull are to win the Constructor’s Championship.
Mark Webber Record at Singapore GP
Number of Race Starts | 5 |
Wins | Nil |
Pole Positions | Nil |
Podiums | 2 |
Teammate Round-Up
With both Vettel and Webber not the best of teammates, it is very unlikely that there will be any favors exchanged at Singapore. However, it will be very interesting to see the turn of events if a situation like Malaysia (Mult 21) would arise at this point in the season.
