Singapore Grand Prix 2009 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Lewis Hamilton dominated the Singapore Grand Prix from pole position, controlling the race under the Marina Bay floodlights to claim his second victory of the season and deal a crucial blow to both Brawn drivers' championship hopes. The reigning champion's commanding performance on the demanding street circuit demonstrated McLaren's late-season improvement, while Jenson Button could only manage fifth place, allowing Rubens Barrichello to close the championship gap to just two points with three races remaining in a heart-stopping title fight.

Hamilton's pole lap of 1:47.891 showcased his brilliance around the unforgiving concrete-walled circuit, and he converted that advantage into a dominant race performance. The British driver controlled proceedings from the front, managing his pace expertly through the 61-lap marathon under the spectacular night-racing conditions. His McLaren MP4-24, finally competitive after months of development, looked planted through the demanding sequence of corners that define Singapore's unique challenge. Hamilton's victory marked his redemption after the previous year's controversial 'Crashgate' podium, and demonstrated that he remained one of F1's elite talents despite McLaren's struggles.

Timo Glock drove brilliantly to secure second place for Toyota, capitalizing on strong strategy and consistent pace to claim his second podium of the season. Fernando Alonso finished third for Renault, the Spaniard returning to the scene of his tainted 2008 victory with a clean performance. The real drama centered on the championship battle - Button's fifth-place finish and Barrichello's fourth meant the teammates were now separated by just two points heading into the Japanese Grand Prix. Vettel remained mathematically alive but needed miracles to contend. The Singapore GP transformed the championship from Button's to lose into a genuine three-race showdown, with Barrichello holding all the momentum and Button facing his greatest test.