Rossi aiming to finish in front of 'benchmark' Stevens

It's a tough baptism of fire weekend for Alexander Rossi with the young American submitted to a very difficult entry level into F1 given Singapore's challenges.

Following his significant encounter with a Marina Bay wall yesterday, Rossi was looking first and foremost to a clean and error-free run in qualifying, which is exactly what he produced, ending the Q1 session 0.5s adrift of Manor team mate Will Stevens.

"The first set of tyres was really good but the second wasn't, and I just didn't put the lap together, which was disappointing because I think it was there," admitted Rossi.

With additional mileage now under his belt, and information continuing to flow in, Rossi's weekend is still very much a work in progress but confidence is slowly building.

"I don't think there have been any really big challenges except for the fact that an F1 car is quite different to drive than a GP2. With 23 corners here, things obviously get amplified a little bit more than they would at any other track so it's a question of maximizing the car."

"Our long run this morning was quite informative and quite good, so I'm feeling more confident about the race than I was yesterday."

Singapore's hot and humid environment obviously puts a physical strain on the drivers, but Rossi isn't forecasting any troubles when the lights turn green tomorrow.

"When you're in the car it's actually a little bit easier than when you stop, and all the heat comes. When you're out on the track your mind is so busy focusing on other things that you don't really worry about the temperature."

"On this track, conserving tyres is a big thing so you're not really driving at the limit of the car anyway. So I think I'll be fine."

Alex Rossi's target tomorrow will be to reach the checkered flag, and preferably in front of his team mate.

"It's going to be tough but we have a pretty good idea of what the car is like on the long runs, and we'll make the most of that."

"I definitely want to finish in front of Will because that's my benchmark. We've seen in the past that there is a lot that happens around here in two hours, so if we can capitalize on anything that comes our way it should be good for myself and the team."

REPORT: Vettel storms to Singapore pole as Mercedes dominance ends

AS IT HAPPENED: Singapore Grand Prix qualifying

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