Alonso Sets Pace Opening Practice at Singapore Grand Prix
Marina Bay Street Circuit
3-5 October includes the grand prix starting at 13:00 BST on Sunday.
Real-time coverage provided on radio channels and official website.
Opening Round Overview
Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso set the pace ahead of Monegasque driver and Dutch ace in FP1 for the Marina Bay race.
The British team's title rivals Australian rookie and British talent wrapped up the practice in fifth and sixth.
The young Australian was over two tenths quicker than his teammate.
The experienced Spaniard was a slim margin ahead of the Ferrari driver and over a quarter of a second quicker than the Red Bull star.
Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton was P4.
Weekend Outlook
Unlikely that Aston Martin will be in the mix for P1.
However, the outfit are hopeful of a strong showing on a tight circuit that is more suited to their vehicle, which excels when plenty of aerodynamic grip are required.
Two-time champion Fernando is also renowned as a Singapore specialist, and usually excels on the Singapore circuit.
But he was likely running reduced weight or a more aggressive setting than his opponents, or both, to achieve that pace.
Team Updates
Fellow driver Lance Stroll was a significant margin slower in 18th place.
The Canadian had problems with his cockpit early in the session and was also testing test items.
FP1 in Singapore is not reflective of race pace later in the weekend as it is held in afternoon sun in late afternoon, while qualifying and the race are held after dark.
Championship Standings
Piastri is ahead of his teammate by a quarter-century with remaining rounds to go entering the Grand Prix in the Lion City.
The Woking-based team are poised to secure the team title on Sunday.
Single possibility they can fail to secure it in this race is if Mercedes beat them by over thirty or Ferrari manage it by a similar margin.
Red Bull Update
Red Bull are positive of a good performance after recent successes in the previous rounds preceding this weekend.
It was a relief when drizzle coming down prior to running abated by the time the cars emerged on a track that had stayed clear.
Motorsport adviser Red Bull's advisor said prior to running that they needed a dry hour to begin properly on fine-tuning their car configuration for the event.