Vettel reminds us that 'anything can happen' in Singapore

©Ferrari

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Sebastian Vettel says that when it comes to the Singapore Grand Prix, anything can happen under the floodlights at Marina Bay.

Two years ago, the Ferrari driver launched his race from pole in the heat of the Lion City's night, only to crash out of the race a couple hundred years up the road, along with teammate Kimi Raikkonen, the victim of unfortunate circumstances.

Contrary to Spa and Monza's power circuits, Singapore's specific 23-turn layout won't play into the strengths of Ferrari's SF90.

But add on the unforeseen circumstances often associated with the race and Vettel is right to exert caution, in spite of being a fan of Marina Bay.

"After Spa-Francorchamps and Monza, we are going to a very different circuit: Singapore, which is one I really enjoy.

"It´s a street circuit, bumpy and with no room for errors and it’s one of the few races run under lights.

'We stay on European time, which is a bit strange because we leave the circuit when the locals are getting up with a six hour-time difference.

"We need maximum downforce and have the three softest tyre compounds.

"We have seen before that anything can happen in this race, so the final result is hard to predict. Off the track, there will also be a lot of pressure on the teams as this race is back to back with Russia."

Ferrari focused on 'not missing' more opportunities to win

While Ferrari will struggle at Marina Bay to match its recent winning form, as displayed by Charles Leclerc in Belgium and in Italy, the Scuderia still heads to Asia with a few updates in its cases.

"We are bringing a few new parts there as part of our effort to close the gap to the competition, at a track that features predominantly slow speed corners," commented team boss Mattia Binotto.

"This race also sees the return of the Hypersoft tyre compound, which has not been used since the Canadian GP.

"All of this, together with the traditionally eventful close racing in between the barriers, on the city streets – conditions that both Sebastian and Charles love very much – will certainly make for a tough but exciting race weekend."

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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.