Leclerc back in the points with 'close to perfect' race

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Sauber's Charles Leclerc concluded his first ever Singapore Grand Prix weekend with a P9 finish, his first run in the top-ten since Austria back in early July.

The Monegasque launched his race from 13th on the grid and held his own in the early stages of the race before fighting his way to the upper part of the midfield on a one-stop strategy.

It was all about remaining consistent, executing a good pitstop and staying out of trouble thereafter, which the 20-year-old promptly did, rewarding himself and his team with two more championship points.

"What a race – it was quite close to being perfect," said the Ferrari-bound rookie.

"We had strong lap times, and the balance of the car felt good from the beginning to the end. We made a great recovery this weekend, after having a weaker race pace on Friday.

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"With our strategy, we were able to fight our way to the front of the midfield and finish in the points again.

"Achieving this after the past few weekends feels good and shows our potential. I look forward to the next one."

Sauber team mate Marcus Ericsson ended his evening just outside the top-ten, but overall team boss Fred Vasseur was happy with his drivers' performance.

"We are satisfied with our result today," said vasseur.

"After a tricky start to the weekend, we recovered well and qualified in decent positions. Our strategy was good and both drivers gave a strong and consistent performance in a very demanding race.

"We have to stay focussed and continue improving this way, and I look forward to the next Grand Prix in Russia."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.