Alonso Sets Pace First Session at Singapore Grand Prix
F1 Singapore
This weekend includes the grand prix beginning at 1pm BST on Sunday.
Live coverage streamed on radio channels and BBC Sport.
Opening Round Summary
Aston Martin's two-time champion topped the times ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and reigning champion during FP1 for the street circuit event.
McLaren's drivers Australian rookie and British talent finished the practice in mid-table positions.
The young Australian was over two tenths speedier than his teammate.
The experienced Spaniard was 0.150secs leading of Leclerc and a clear gap faster than Verstappen.
The Italian squad's seven-time champion was P4.
Team Strategies
Few anticipate that Aston Martin will be front-runners for pole position.
That said, the team are optimistic of a better weekend on a tight circuit that is ideally suited to their vehicle, which runs more competitively when high levels of aerodynamic grip are called for.
Two-time champion Fernando is also renowned as a Marina Bay expert, and usually excels on the night race venue.
Yet he was probably operating with less fuel or a increased power than his opponents, or a combination, to set such a quick time.
Session Details
Partner Canadian racer was almost two seconds slower in P18.
Stroll had issues with his cockpit early in the session and was also testing test items.
FP1 in Singapore is not indicative of race pace later in the weekend as it is run in bright conditions in the daytime, while qualifying and the grand prix are staged after dark.
Points Situation
Piastri leads Norris by a quarter-century with the final stretch to go entering the weekend in the Lion City.
McLaren are poised to wrap up the constructors' championship on the weekend.
The only way they can not tie it up in Singapore is if the Silver Arrows surpass them by 31 points or Ferrari manage it by thirty-five.
Rival Teams
Red Bull are hopeful of a good performance after recent successes in Italy and Azerbaijan leading into this weekend.
They were relieved when drizzle coming down before the session stopped by the moment the vehicles emerged on a circuit that had not been wet.
Senior figure the Austrian said prior to running that they required a clear session to get underway on optimizing their set-up for the Grand Prix.
