Free Practice 3 – Singapore GP: Ferrari and Vettel Confident Before Qualifying: Is Mercedes Really Struggling?

The last training session before the crucial hour of the Qualifications was once again full of promises in the city-state of Singapore. Promises especially for two teams: Scuderia Ferrari and Red Bull.

Yesterday, the second session was unusually dominated by Daniil Kvyat. Sebastian Vettel this time set a benchmark lap time of 1:45.682 on super-soft tires (with a red stripe). This time is simply the best of the weekend.

Kimi Räikkönen finished the session in 2nd place, but the gap is quite significant: 1:46.132 for the Finnish driver, nearly half a second difference. The four-time World Champion was actually in good shape at the start of the evening in Singapore (6 PM local time): after waiting in his garage for a long time, he also claimed the best time on soft tires (with a yellow stripe), in 1:46.728, and that on his very first run!

Vettel is the fastest on the track in #FP3 so far, going purple in all 3 sectors (1:46.728) #SingaporeGP #F1NightRace pic.twitter.com/OpltUER8do

— Formula 1 (@F1) 19 Septembre 2015

The German driver loves this track: let’s remember that he has already won here three times, achieving a “hat-trick” between 2011 and 2013! In a well-tuned car like the Ferrari SF15-T, he could make a strong impact as early as this Saturday afternoon. At Ferrari, however, they remain very cautious…

Ending at the top of the lapchart, we stay positive but feet on the ground for Quali #SingaporeGP #redseason pic.twitter.com/ekwdcbmpcU

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) 19 Septembre 2015

This measured observation is all the more justified because Red Bull is also in great form at the start of this weekend. The team is betting big on this nighttime event: the circuit is winding and requires good aerodynamic downforce. The engine is therefore less stressed: Adrian Newey’s cars have a great opportunity to shine! In this respect, Daniil Kvyat seems faster than his teammate. After quickly setting a benchmark time in this session, he made it a point to once again outpace Daniel Ricciardo.

The Australian, on the other hand, had to wait longer before hitting the track: he therefore completed only 14 laps (compared to 19 for the Russian).

In this session, what about Mercedes? Fact or fake news: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg remained behind the leaders, more than 1 second apart, on both soft and super-soft tires. The reigning world champion team still seems to have difficulty properly utilizing their tires, a problem admitted last night after the first two practice sessions. However, we will have to wait for the qualifying session to see the true face of Mercedes, which is capable of making a comeback at any moment, especially thanks to the “magic button” that provides a power boost to the engine during the crucial moment of the flying lap.

Nevertheless, Lewis Hamilton made himself noticed this morning by going off into the runoff area at turn 7…

Ricciardo and Hamilton have joined the list of drivers to have needed the run-off at Turn 7 #FP3 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/HiSupRo8Hw

— Formula 1 (@F1) 19 Septembre 2015

Behind these three teams, the battle will surely be on! McLaren-Honda can finally hope to shine this season: Fernando Alonso secured a very impressive 7th fastest time, just behind the Mercedes. But watch out for reliability, Jenson Button was held up in his garage for half of the session…

Setback, however, for Williams and Lotus, who appear to be struggling on this track due to the significant downforce generated by the cars. Romain Grosjean will have to roll up his sleeves to achieve a good performance.

Finally, let’s commend the endurance of the two Manors, which this time stayed on the track without any hitches: 22 laps for Will Stevens compared to 26 for Alexander Rossi!

Here is the complete ranking of this third and final Free Practice session:

The Qualifying session in Singapore is therefore highly anticipated: Mercedes has never seemed so pressured by its close competitors: Will Ferrari and Red Bull be able to put an end to the German invincibility in the task of the flying lap?

To find out, visit motorsinside.com from 3 p.m.!