How Singapore practice unfolded

1. Kvyat fastest in second practice, Hamilton fourth
2. Red Bulls much improved
3. Stevens crashes in the Manor, puncture for Sainz
4. Rosberg fastest in first practice, Hamilton 2nd
5. Rossi hits the wall late on for Manor

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A false dawn? Or have Mercedes really got a fight on their hands? Everything appears to be set up for an interesting weekend under the lights. 

You can read Andrew Benson's report here and we shall be back 10:30 BST sharp on Saturday for coverage of final practice and qualifying. Until then.

FP2 lap times

Formula1.com

FP2 result

11) Massa 12) Nasr 13) Ericsson 14) Button 15) Sainz 16) Grosjean 17) Bottas 18) Maldonado 19) Rossi 20) Stevens

FP2 top 10

1) Kvyat 2) Raikkonen 3) Ricciardo 4) Hamilton 5) Vettel 6) Perez 7) Rosberg 8) Alonso 9) Hulkenberg 10) Verstappen

Chequered flag

Red Bull's Daniil Kvyat finishes fastest in second practice for the Singapore Grand Prix.

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Both Sebastian Vettel and Daniil Kvayt dipped into the 1:50s on their long runs, something Lewis Hamilton didn't manage to do. A closely-fought battle on the cards? Or are the cards being kept close to Mercedes' chest?

Nothing to see here

Jennie Gow

BBC Radio 5 live pit-lane reporter

I've asked Mercedes what happened with Rosberg at Turn 18 and they said nothing untoward. He just carried on. They brought him in for a set of soft tyres and sent him back out."

Into the final five minutes of the session and Daniil Kvyat tops the timesheet ahead of Kimi Raikkonen, Daniel Ricciardo and Lewis Hamilton. Nico Rosberg is down in seventh. 

"Check that things aren't too hot," Nico Rosberg says over team radio. "Engines temps are OK Nico," comes the reply.

Yellow flag

Yellow flags as Nico Rosberg, on worn supersoft tyres, heads down an escape road at Turn 18.

Lewis Hamilton had been lapping consistently in the 1:51s but the performance is perhaps just starting to drop away as his 17th lap on the supersoft tyre is a 1:52.741s.

Andrew Benson

Chief F1 writer

“Red Bull’s Daniil Kvyat can come across a bit vapid, partly because of his flat Russian accent, but in fact he has an appealingly dry sense of humour, and earlier this week he summed up amusingly the difficulties of preparing for the intense challenge of a two-hour race in the crushing heat and humidity of Singapore. After admitting he had found his first race at Marina Bay ‘quite tough’ last year, he said he had been preparing back in Lugano by ‘training wearing winter clothes in 30C. Looking like a complete idiot - everyone was looking at me thinking: “What is he doing?”’

“Red Bull are hopeful of a much stronger weekend after the trials of Spa and Monza and are optimistic of competing with Ferrari for best of the rest behind Mercedes. Kvyat’s team-mate Daniel Ricciardo said on Thursday: ‘I still think Ferrari will be strong and tough to beat for us but we should be close. Friday will be a tell-tale sign. If we start on the right foot we’ll be there.’”

Alexander Rossi's first timed effort in FP2 is a 1:57.390 on the supersoft tyre, putting him in P19.

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"OK Daniel, pace looks good, degradation is very good," Daniel Ricciardo is told over team radio. A good session for Red Bull so far.

Twenty minutes left and Alexander Rossi emerges for the first time in FP2.

Daniil Kvyat, who looks set to top the timesheet today, is showing good pace on his long runs as he clocks a 1:51.6 on his 10th lap on the supersoft tyre. 

Could Mercedes have a fight from the Red Bulls on their hands this weekend?

Movement at Manor?

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Lewis Hamilton's last lap - his ninth on the supersoft - was a 1:51.335 while Daniel Ricciardo, also on long runs, is round in 1:41.546.

"Revised lap time target high 51."

Mercedes team radio to Lewis Hamilton

It doesn't look like Lewis Hamilton will finish Friday on top of any of the practice sessions as his focus appears to have switched to long runs.

A rare chance to get a picture of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on this page thanks to Manor...

Jennie Gow

BBC Radio 5 live pit-lane reporter

"It is starting to rain down here. There are spots of rain in the pitlane. Meanwhile Felipe Nasr has picked up a reprimand for failing to come on track at the right point in FP1."

Meanwhile, it has been a good day so far for McLaren, with both Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button getting plenty of running without any major drama. Alonso has the eighth fastest time at the moment with 1:46.959, while Button is 14th fastest with 1:47.888.

James Allen

BBC Radio 5 live F1 commentator

"It looks as though Kvyat went out again on the supersoft and managed to go more quickly on that original set of supersofts. Hamilton meanwhile has just gone back out on circuit. So is he going out on a long run, or is he, like Kvyat, going out to see if he can find more pace?"

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Daniil Kvyat has turned his Romain Grosjean anger into speed as he goes fastest of all with a 1:46.142. Kimi Raikkonen drops to second, while Daniel Ricciardo is now third.

Motivated Kimi

Tom Clarkson

BBC F1 pit-lane reporter

"Kimi Raikkonen does not like simulators but after he made that error at the start of the last race he went and did 100 practice starts on the simulator. That is how motivated he is. A few years back I don't think he would have done that, but he really wants to make this work at Ferrari."

Lewis Hamilton's second go on the supersofts seems him split the Ferraris, a 1:46.479 putting him around three tenths of a second off Kimi Raikkonen's benchmark.

Meanwhile, a hair-raising moment for Daniil Kvyat as Romain Grosjean gets in his way and Kvyat hits the brakes, before raising his hand in frustration.

"BEEP. BEEP," is the sound over team radio as Kvyat embarks on an expletive laden rant against Grosjean.

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Lewis Hamilton's first lap on the supersoft tyres sees him off at Turn 1 and he has to back off his lap. He's having another go now. 

Meanwhile, Nico Rosberg's first run on his qualifying sim seems him go third fastest with 1:46.781.

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With Lewis Hamilton bidding to equal Ayrton Senna's record of 41 wins from 161 starts this weekend, we are asking if the two can be compared, and if Hamilton can be considered an F1 great.

No he can't. Second fastest for Sebastian Vettel, three tenths of a second down on his Ferrari team-mate.

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Felipe Nasr, also with supersoft shoes on, goes sixth fastest with 1:47.755, but here comes Sebastian Vettel on his first run on the supersofts. Can he move into P1?

Kimi Raikkonen's first effort on the supersofts is a 1:46.181, 1.3s faster than the time Lewis Hamilton set in FP2 last year.

Everyone is back in the pits to make the switch from softs to supersoft tyres. Kimi Raikkonen is the first to get the new compound bolted on and is swiftly back out on the circuit.

Away from Carlos Sainz-related shenanigans, Lewis Hamilton has gone fastest with 1:47.633, 0.026s faster than Kimi Raikkonen. Daniil Kvyat is third fastest.

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Listen to commentary on practice

BBC

Don't forget you can listen to commentary on second practice via the 'live coverage' tab on mobile, or by clicking the audio icon button at the top of this page if you are following on desktop computers.

It looks like Carlos Sainz just kissed the wall at Turn 5. Could that have been the cause of the puncture?

Ah, puncture on the left rear of Carlos Sainz's Toro Rosso and he limps back to the pits.

Kimi Raikkonen is up into P1 with a 1:47.659. He leads Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Daniil Kvyat.

Vettel turns the air blue as he vents his anger at his team after feeling he was released intro traffic.

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All go again on the circuit and Daniel Ricciardo soon goes fastest with 1:48.103, putting him ahead of Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. Eighteen of the 20 cars are out on track at the moment.

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Jennie Gow has just caught a word with Alexander Rossi, who says: "I braked a bit too late in Turn 18 and it was my mistake. I felt quite comfortable in the car and the pace was OK, so we will improve on that for tomorrow.”

Jennie Gow

BBC Radio 5 live pit-lane reporter

"The general mood is one of great disappointment you feel at Manor. This team just want a bit of luck, they need a little something on their side and it has not happened so far. Roberto Merhi is sat up on the pitwall at the moment and I am wondering what he is thinking now. I bet you one million pounds it would be: 'I would not have done that'.

Will Stevens is out of the Manor and the car is lifted off the circuit, with the little bit of debris that was there swiftly swept away. We should be back up and running very soon.

As Andrew Benson told us earlier, Alexander Rossi is not going out until later in the session so this red flag is for the Manor of Will Stevens, who loses the back end of his car and slides into a barrier at Turn 12.

Red flag

Daniil Kvyat gets the session going with a 1:49.307, but the red flag is waved and it is for a Manor...

Andrew Benson

Chief F1 writer

"Lotus were in court this morning, fighting to stave off administration in a case brought by Britain’s tax authorities. The judge upheld Lotus’s request for adjournment, giving them until 28 October, the day after the Japanese Grand Prix to resolve the issue, saying this would be the final adjournment. 

"The interesting thing about the case is why the judge adjourned it - it was because the team said a deal for Renault to buy them was close and could otherwise collapse. The judge said he was satisfied a deal was close.” 

Go! Go! Go!

Off we go then. Ninety minutes of second practice and Daniil Kvyat, who only managed eight laps in FP1 one because of a fuel system issue, is straight out on to the circuit.

Lewis Hamilton is in rush. He is having a chat with Pharell who, you'd imagine, will have met him before when Hamilton has been on his travels.

Rossi set to feature

Andrew Benson

Chief F1 writer

“Alexander Rossi had a baptism of fire in first practice, crashing the Manor at Turn 18 close to the end of his first session of what will be his first grand prix, after being drafted in to replace Roberto Merhi. 

"The team have been working hard to repair the damage, and have needed to fit a new gearbox. They say they are ‘a few minutes from fire-up’. But a spokeswoman said they expected him to get out on track for the final half hour.”

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Pharell has just popped into the Mercedes garage for a very brief chat with Nico Rosberg, who then heads off to get himself ready for second practice, which is about five minutes away from getting under way.

Celeb spot!

Lotus avoid administration for another week

Seeing double?

BBC

While Sebastian Vettel will be hoping to challenge Lewis Hamilton for victory this weekend, the two have also been battling for a very different title...least convincing waxwork lookalike.

The above recreations of the pair have been unveiled in Singapore this week. 

Not sure what to say really...Hamilton's hat looks good.

Thoughts?

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Scott Speed (pictured) competed in F1 from 2006-07

Andrew Benson

Chief F1 writer

Formula1.com

"American Alexander Rossi had an unfortunate start to this career with Manor, who have drafted him in for five of the last seven races of the season in place of Spaniard Robert Merhi.  

"Rossi was doing well - with a fastest time of just 0.015secs off team-mate Will Stevens, who has driven the car all year - until he lost control and smashed into the barrier at Turn 18, doing considerable damage to the right-hand side of the car."

Coming up

It has just gone 9.05pm in Singapore and cars will be rumbling out on to the circuit for second practice in 20 minutes. Radio commentary will be available just before it starts online & at the top of this page.

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Hello and welcome to our coverage of second practice for the Singapore Grand Prix.

It was a Mercedes one-two in FP1 with Nico Rosberg topping the times ahead of Lewis Hamilton, but Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo was not far off the pace, lapping within around three tenths of Rosberg.

Red Bull have won three of the last four races in Singapore, could they be the team to challenge Mercedes this weekend?

Herbie Goes Into The Wall

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It was a mixed first day at the office for debutant Alexander Rossi.

After showing some good early pace in the Manor, the American, who has taken the race number 53 - the same as Herbie in the cheeky car caper films of the same name - smacked into a barrier late on, bringing out the red flag.

Will Herbie ride again in second practice?

So far so good for Nico Rosberg as he looks to cut into Lewis Hamilton's lead, but a long way to go yet.

Disappointment for debutant Alexander Rossi, though, with that late crash. Will Herbie ride again for FP2? We'll find out at 14:30 BST.

We are going to take a little break but will be back with live coverage from 14:00 BST. In the meantime, have a read of Andrew Benson's first practice report. 

Lee McKenzie

BBC F1 pit-lane reporter

"Rossi will be really disappointed with how that ended. Interesting to see Valtteri Bottas up there because Williams don't normally show their hand on Fridays.

Such a shame for Alexander Rossi at the end, having been pretty much as fast as his Manor team-mate Will Stevens. Just 0.015 between them.

FP1 result

11) Alonso 12) Perez 13) Nasr 14) Grosjean 15) Button 16) Ericsson 17) Massa 18) Kvyat 19) Stevens 20) Rossi

FP1 result

1) Rosberg 2) Hamilton 3) Ricciardo 4) Vettel 5) Raikkonen 6) Bottas 7) Verstappen 8) Hulkenberg 9) Sainz 10) Maldonado

Chequered flag

Nico Rosberg finishes fastest in first practice for the Singapore Grand Prix.

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That, you would imagine, is that with barely a minute left of the session when Alexander Rossi crashed.

Roberto Merhi, replaced by Alexander Rossi for this weekend, makes a notable walk through the Manor garage. I wonder what he is thinking...?

Red flag

Oh so close to a trouble-free first outing for Alexander Rossi. Red flag.

The American hit a barrier in the final sector and both tyres on the right side of his Manor are facing the wrong way.

"I hit the wall," he says over team radio.

Daniil Kvyat is heading back out to get in a couple of laps with Red Bull having fixed the fuel system issue that limited him to just five laps earlier in the session. 

Into the final 10 minutes and there is no change at the top of the order, with Nico Rosberg leading the way with the 1:47.995 he clocked a while back. Lewis Hamilton is second fastest, with Daniel Ricciardo third.

Yellow flag

Yellow flag is waved as Sebastian Vettel shoots down the escape road at turn five, having gone heavily over the kerb moments earlier.

Pastor Maldonado is told of a potential reliability issue with the gearbox in his Lotus so time is called on his first practice session and in he goes to get the sandwich orders in early doors.

Lee McKenzie

BBC F1 pit-lane reporter

Heat is an issue in Singapore and I have been watching Lewis Hamilton come past me in the pit lane. He tends to take his hands off the wheel and move them around a bit, and has even taken his glove off at one point.

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Formula1.com

With 20 minutes left, this is how things look on the timesheet.

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The appearance of the safety car has been a regular feature of past Singapore GPs and no doubt the owner of hasmaldonadocrashedtoday.com will be eagerly waiting to update their site this weekend.

So far so good for Pastor Maldonado, though, as he has the 10th fastest time, although he did have a little moment when he ran very, very close to the barrier.

Sparktastic

Formula1.com

It doesn't take long for darkness to fully descend over Singapore and the circuit is looking phenomenal under the lights at the moment.

Apart from some cockpit and radio issues for Jenson Button it is so far so good for McLaren, with Fernando Alonso 10th fastest and Button in P12. Both have completed 14 laps, with Carlos Sainz having spent the most time out on track having completed 18 laps of the Marina Bay circuit.

A slight gain for Nico Rosberg as he dips below 1:48 with a 1:47.995 to stay top of the timesheet. Lewis Hamilton is second, three tenths of a second slower, with Daniel Ricciardo third.

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Daniil Kvyat has got a timed lap under his belt, a 1:51.188 but he is still having some issues with his Red Bull. "Dany, for your information, we've aborted the run due to concerns about the fuel system," he is told over the radio.

"Problem with the drinks tube," reports Nico Rosberg over the radio. That's something he'll be keen to be fixed swiftly with the air temperature 29C and humidity an uncomfortable 79%.

Will the adjustments work for Jenson Button? He is back out on the circuit.

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Just over halfway through the session and the lights have popped on around then circuit, making the cars look very nice indeed. Alexander Rossi has plenty of company now with Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and several others have returned to the track.

Snazzy. This chap is definitely off straight out on the town after second practice...

Andrew Benson

Chief F1 writer

“It’s fair to say that if it had been known just how bad McLaren-Honda’s season was going to be, a number of people in F1 would have been expecting Fernando Alonso to lose it sooner or later. But the Spaniard - who, lest we forget, joined McLaren on a $40m salary with the express intention of winning a third title - has kept it together admirably well so far. And on Thursday he insisted yet again that he feels he made the right choice in leaving Ferrari, and that things will improve next year.

“‘Everything seems logical and going in the right direction so I think things will change a lot for next year,’ he said. ‘I like what I am seeing so it is quite a positive thing. It is quite exciting starting a new project and working up from zero together. I know I am not young but after I finish three years with McLaren we will see if we are in a position to fight for the championship and if things are not looking good maybe I will think differently.’

He added: ‘It is a matter of trust and confidence. Last year I decided to stop with Ferrari and join McLaren. I did it basically because the project of the McLaren-Honda partnership will succeed sooner or later. Obviously the performance this year is a little lower than the expectations last year but to beat Mercedes you need to do something different. Either you are in a Mercedes car or you are frustrated.

“‘Hamilton and Rosberg are fighting for the championship and the others are fighting for miracles and hopefully the miracle will come from Japan. I am enjoying myself and happy with what is coming for the future. If (the third title) comes I will be happy and if it doesn’t come I will still be proud of my career.’”

Lee McKenzie

BBC F1 pit-lane reporter

"Good news at McLaren, it is all calm on Fernando Alonso's side of the garage. We heard Jenson Button complain about being uncomfortable in the cockpit and a bit of work is going on at the moment. Jenson is not looking too frustrated at the moment, he is just watching the guys work and he should be back in the car soon."

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Gett

With 50 minutes left of the session, Nico Rosberg leads the way with 1:49.184, followed by Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel.

Everyone has completed at least one timed lap so far except for Daniil Kvyat. He had reported a loss of power just now, but managed to limp the car back to the pits.

Meanwhile, Alexander Rossi decides to return to the circuit as he continues to familiarise himself with both the circuit, and the car.

It is just starting to go dark and that provides the opportunity for some fine shots of sparks flicking up from behind Rossi's Manor as he circulates the track.

Andrew Benson

Chief F1 writer

“What sort of a weekend will Williams have? On paper, it does not look that good. Singapore is a low-grip, slow-speed track and Williams have conspicuously not gone well on that sort of circuit this year - just look at Monaco and Hungary. This year has hardly been a disaster for Williams - they hold a solid third in the constructors’ championship and there have been some podium finishes, an excellent performance given they have half the budget of the big teams. But there is no escaping a sense of frustration - especially from Valtteri Bottas - that they have not been able to build as successfully on their progress last year as they would have liked.

“‘I have to say I’m not really that pleased for the results,’ the Finn said. ‘Of course we aim to make a step forward. I think we’ve improved from last year but, compared to others, not really. So, as a team, I think everyone in the team is expecting more and we are aiming to do better in the future. We’re not yet at a peak and we can definitely do better. From my side also, it’s been a very mixed season. A lot of things have not been going to my side, so unlucky races, unlucky results. That’s how it is sometimes.’”

There is just the noise of the nearby traffic at the moment with everyone on the circuit having returned to the pits to hand back the first set of tyres.

Just watching the onboard camera on Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari and it is shuddering about all over the place. Not because of his driving, this circuit is renowned for being bumpy and with 23 corners and a race that lasts for almost two hours, it is a real test for the drivers physically.

The Red Bulls are keeping the pace with the Mercedes in this session as Daniel Ricciardo goes P2 with 1:49.596. Could they be in the fight this weekend?

Nico Rosberg improves his pacesetting time with a 1:49.184, while Lewis Hamilton is back up into P2 after lap that was a shade under a second slower than Rosberg's.

Daniel Ricciardo shoots up to third with 1:50.442. Nineteen cars out on the circuit at the moment.

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Plenty of timed laps filling up the timing board now. The Ferraris split the Mercedes as Kimi Raikkonen goes P2 with 1:51.314, with Sebastian Vettel 0.3s slower in P3.

McLaren or nowhere for Button

Speaking of Jenson Button, he says he will quit Formula 1 altogether if he does not stay at McLaren-Honda in 2016.

McLaren are yet to decide whether to retain the 35-year-old next season.

"If I'm in F1, it will be with this team," he said. "I have had some tough times here but I have a lot of respect for them and for Honda. This is the team for the future."

You can read more on this here.

Some radio issues for Jenson Button as he reports he can hardly hear what he is being told by McLaren.

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Plenty of of flow-viz splashed on the side of the Lotus.

Nico Rosberg gets us up and running in Singapore with a 1:50.393s. His Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton follows suit, but his first effort is four seconds slower than Rosberg's.

Sauber have picked up points in each of the last three races through Marcus Ericsson and will be hoping for some success in Singapore, with a "significant" aerodynamic update introduced on their cars for this weekend.

Everybody has been out for their installation laps, with Lewis Hamilton the last to venture out. No lap times set in the first 20 minutes.

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As Lewis Hamilton bids to equal Ayrton Senna's record of 41 wins from 161 starts, we are asking if the two can be compared, and whether Lewis Hamilton can now be considered an F1 great.

Have your say via #bbcf1 and text in on 81111 (UK only)

Grosjean knows something you don't

Andrew Benson

Chief F1 writer

“Lotus driver Romain Grosjean caused a bit of a stir on Thursday when he announced that he already knew what he would be doing in Formula 1 next year - but refused to say what it was. 

"‘I’ve got more information than you do, and with this information I’ve made my mind up. You will see me in F1 next year,’ he said. 

"The Franco-Swiss is under contract to Lotus, but the team’s future is in doubt as they continue to explore selling out to former owners Renault, who would obviously want to keep Grosjean on. Renault boss Carlos Ghosn said this week that the French car company would ‘either exit or run our own team - we don't have a clear decision yet’. 

"Did Grosjean’s remarks mean that it was only a matter of time before the Lotus-Renault deal was announced? Or that he knew it would not be and he had already done a deal with the new Haas team, to whom he has been linked? Some people definitely know the answer - I know, because someone told me they did. But they’re not saying either, unfortunately.”

Bin bags on Grosjean's windows

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The Singapore GP is a funny for drivers, team personnel and journalists.

It currently around 18:00 local time, with second practice starting at 21:30 and nothing finishing until 23:00. The odd working times means most people elect to keep their body clock on European time given that they will end up working through the night.

“It’s no secret that I love my sleep so one of the most important aspects of preparation for me is ensuring that my room stays dark in the morning," says Lotus' Romain Grosjean. 

"I always hope the hotel has good blackout curtains. If it doesn't then it’s not unknown for me to tape black rubbish bags to the windows to keep the light out and guarantee my sleep!”

Go! Go! Go!

The circuit is open and off we go with 90 minutes of first practice. Alexander Rossi wastes no time in getting out on the track, with Sebastian Vettel and Romain Grosjean also heading out.

Rossi a lover of the Love Bug

Alexander Rossi has chosen 53 to be his permanent race number, and this is his reason why...

Ned kid on the block

Andrew Benson

Chief F1 writer

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“In case this morning is your first hit of Formula 1 this week, there is a new driver on the grid this weekend after Manor decided to draft in American Alexander Rossi for five of the remaining seven races this season. 

"The 23-year-old, who holds second in the GP2 championship at the moment, admitted it had come as a bit of a surprise - he found out on Tuesday morning, booked his flight and was on the plane that evening. 

"’It’s been a long time coming,’ Rossi said, ‘but I’m very grateful for a full race weekend, and showing the world what I’m capable of.’ 

"He will be the first American driver in F1 since Scott Speed raced for Toro Rosso in 2007, and one of the races he will take part in will be his home race in Austin at the end of October. ‘The news in America has been a bit crazy,’ Rossi said, ‘but I’m very thankful to be an athlete to perform on their home stage.’”

Roberto Merhi has his cans on, watching on as someone else climbs into the Manor car. Yep, there will be a new face this weekend...

Stunning Singapore

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What are these? Shots from the upcoming Star Wars film? Nope, it is from Red Bull indulging in a bit of pit stop practice on Thursday, with the above picture a very arty shot of the pit-stop light in Singapore.

This circuit must be a photographer's dream.

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Almost time for FP1 in Singapore, where it not dark yet as traffic streams on the roads around the circuit. Such an amazing sight, F1 cars whizzing around the track as people around them drive home from work.

Commentary has just started now on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Andrew Benson

Chief F1 writer

“Some information on Nico Rosberg which may or may not become important as the season develops. 

"Mercedes had originally planned for the German to run in Friday practice with the new engine they had to take out of his car after practice in Monza on precautionary grounds to see how it was. That plan was abandoned, and he now starts the weekend with another new engine - of the same upgraded specification that made such an impression in Italy. That means Rosberg has now used all his four permitted engines, and Lewis Hamilton still has a new one in the bag should he hit trouble. 

"Mercedes’ reliability has been as impressive as their pace this season so it may well not be an issue. But it’s just one more small card stacked against Rosberg in his unequal struggle.”

Don't stop believing

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Nico Rosberg was all smiles on Thursday but how long that will last remains to be seen. 

With seven races left, he will need to start eating into Lewis Hamilton's 53-point advantage sooner, rather than later.

"I have the chance to keep believing or not and I have chosen to keep believing because it is going to help for the next couple of races," said Rosberg.

"Historically in sport anything can happen."

Button not fazed by haze

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There's been plenty of chat in the build up to this Sunday's race about a cloud of haze hanging over Singapore.

It was caused by farmers in neighbouring Indonesia, but race organisers said earlier this week said they did not plan to amend the racing programme for this weekend because of it, and Jenson Button agrees that it should not be a cause for concern.

"It rained on Wednesday and it was much clearer today (Thursday). It looks like it will be fine, so hopefully nothing for us to worry about," he said.

Dry for practice

BBC

BBC Weather's Ian Fergusson: "There should be a good amount of dry weather about this weekend. For Friday, it will be hot with temperatures up to 30C. It could well be one or two showers form to the south of Singapore, but I doubt they will affect the circuit."

Get the full weather forecast here.

Get involved #bbcf1

Can Lewis Hamilton be compared to Ayrton Senna? Or is it unfair to put drivers from different era alongside each other? 

If you don't think he is already, what does Hamilton need to do to be considered a Formula 1 great?

Let us know via #bbcf1, text in on 81111 (UK only) or have your say on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Picking up the baton

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That quote in my introductory entry, by the way, was taken from Lewis Hamilton's latest BBC Sport column where he discusses Ayrton Senna's record.

"I am so proud to be in a position to emulate him," he writes. "At the same time, though, I am also aware that if he had not passed away he would have continued and won so many more races and championships, because he was that good.

"Now I am at the stage where I am getting to the levels he was at, it feels a little like a relay race - that I will be picking the baton up for him and carrying it for the both of us from now on."

Hamilton also gives some hard truths about F1, talks about the championship battle and reveals what it is like to race in Singapore. Read the full column here.

What's coming up

BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

OK then, here's your heads up for what is coming up in Singapore. First practice gets under way at 11:00 BST and runs for the usual 90 minutes. Then there is a break for a couple of hours to have lunch (or supper for those in Singapore where it will be around 8pm) before second practice starts at 14:30 BST.

You can listen to live commentary on both sessions via BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Time running out for Rosberg?

Andrew Benson

Chief F1 writer

“Mathematically, this championship is a long way from over - Lewis Hamilton leads Nico Rosberg by 53 points and, with seven races left, there are still 175 available. But reality is a different matter. 

"Hamilton would have to fall under a bus, or suffer some other similar mishap, to not romp home with a number of races to spare. The only doubt seems to be how many. Rosberg is still talking positively, saying he has ‘nothing to lose’ and will ‘never give up’. But he must know the game is up. Hamilton is doing to him - and the rest of the field - what Sebastian Vettel did to Mark Webber and the rest through Red Bull’s dominant era - invariably sticking it on pole and dominating the race from there. 

"Can Rosberg do anything about that on a track where Hamilton has won twice in seven years - and would have made it three had his McLaren’s gearbox not broken in 2012? Unlikely, it has to be said, on current form.”

Friday night lights

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Hello and welcome to our coverage of first and second practice for the Singapore Grand Prix. 

The Formula 1 circus has left Europe behind to travel to the Far East for one of the most visually stunning races of the season.

Lewis Hamilton arrives looking to further extend his lead over Nico Rosberg in the championship as well as make a little piece of history - equalling Ayrton Senna's record of 41 wins in 161 starts.

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Aiming to emulate a legend...

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"I wanted to be like him. I aspired to one day drive the way he drove, and achieve something similar to what he achieved."

Growing up, Lewis Hamilton was inspired by Ayrton Senna. He wanted to race like him. Behave like him. Basically emulate him.

This weekend, he has the chance to do just that...