Singapore: Hamilton advantage

This 2009 season has many surprises in store. No more traditional duels between McLaren et Ferrari, now the favorites change regularly depending on the circuits. At Spa and Monza, on two high-speed rings, astonishing single-seaters were at the forefront, such as the Force India (Fisichella at Spa, Sutil at Monza). Crossing the planet and returning to a street circuit, Vijay Mallya's cars fell into line. Others too. This is the case for Kimi Räikkönen. The Finn, winner at Spa and regular on the podium for four races, will only start in 13th position. Suffice to say that, this time, the hopes of a podium are more than slim.

More surprising, Jenson Button. While his teammate Rubens Barrichello managed to set the fifth time in Q3, the Briton was eliminated in Q2, with the twelfth time of the fifteen cars still in the running. However, Brawn had shown his effectiveness on low-speed circuits, whether Monaco (Button's victory) or Valencia (Barrichello's victory). Fortunately for the championship leader, the Brazilian fell five places on the grid (change of gearbox) and only started in tenth position, a consolation for Button in his quest for the world title.

The return to the forefront is to the credit of Red Bull. While the engines Renault come up short to finish the season, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber prove that their car is perfectly designed to find aerodynamic support where the lack of speed does not allow it. Qualified 2nd and 4th on the grid, the two drivers can return to join the fight for the world champion title in the event of victory. Or, at least, return to success because Red Bull has not won since Germany (July 12) and Mark Webber?s first Grand Prix victory.

Among the good surprises, we also find Nico Rosberg (Williams-Toyota), Fernando Alonso (Renault) and Timo Glock (Toyota), who climbed into the Top 6 thanks to a track allowing them to express their driving qualities. For the race, the predictions are therefore open, with McLarens who now seem to be fast whatever the terrain, Red Bulls having regained their competitiveness, and drivers determined to be at the forefront.