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Red Bull Racing came to the Singapore Grand Prix expecting the team would dominate the circuit, just as they had before at Barcelona and Hungary.
No doubt Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel were thinking they would just be jostling for top step on the podium after completing a Singaporean milk run.
However, qualifying proved different, and World Championship hopes haven risen and fallen for the five main contenders, who qualified almost in reverse Championship-order in the top five.
Vettel, who looked storming all weekend during practice qualified second, while Webber struggled throughout to qualify fifth.
Webber admitted he expected more.
“I knew the front row was going to be very competitive today, so I’m a bit disappointed to be off the second row,” said the Australian.
“But, I couldn’t have done a lap to get on the front row, so it could be worse – could be better – we keep hanging in there. It’s a long race tomorrow, we’ll see how it goes.”
Vettel was more positive, noting that changeable conditions and possible rain or lingering damp patches of track will play into the team’s hands.
“Tomorrow it is more important, and starting second is not a bad thing considering they did quite a job at cleaning the circuit and second is not as bad as the last couple of years and if it rains tomorrow anything is possible. We have a very strong car no matter what the conditions.”
Meanwhile, Ferrari managed a unique double: pole position and last position on the grid. Fernando Alonso pipped Vettel to pole, while Felipe Massa suffered gearbox gremlins and failed to set a time in qualifying.
Alonso looks strong for the race, and will be hoping for the rain to stay away and to take the win in a cake walk.
McLaren’s contenders Lewis Hamilton and Jensen Button were reasonably happy with third and fourth respectively. However, the pair will be hoping their strong performances off the line into the first corners will boost their chances before settling into the two hour race in grueling 80 per cent humidity.
Singapore is an interesting track away from the pure sporting action itself, much of the intrigue developed by the night race aspect.
The Grand Prix is working to establish the race as the premier ‘flyaway’ race from the European tracks, and as far as looks alone go it is immense.
The night race is a power company’s dream, with millions of lights showcasing a skyline dotted with latest attractions such as the Singapore Flyer, while the Marina Bay Sands looms almost as a futuristic mirage from the track.
Stunning imagery – the race tonight at 10pm on ONE HD should do it justice.