Singapore Grand Prix 2011 - Race Schedule and Countdown
Singapore Grand Prix
Marina Bay • Singapore
Sep 25, 2011 12:00 PM
Race Results
Race Summary
Sebastian Vettel produced another masterful performance to win the Singapore Grand Prix under the Marina Bay floodlights, extending his championship lead to an insurmountable margin and moving one step closer to securing his second World Championship. The German driver dominated Formula 1's only night race, controlling proceedings from pole position to beat Jenson Button and Mark Webber in a grueling two-hour battle on the demanding street circuit.
Starting from pole position with a lap of 1:44.381 around the 5-kilometer Marina Bay Street Circuit, Vettel made his customary perfect start and immediately established control. The Red Bull RB7's exceptional downforce and mechanical grip proved ideally suited to Singapore's tight corners and slow-speed sections, giving Vettel a decisive advantage over his rivals. He managed the race expertly, maintaining concentration through 61 laps of the physically demanding street circuit while navigating traffic, safety car periods, and the challenges of racing under artificial lights. The humidity and heat made Singapore one of the toughest races on the calendar, but Vettel never faltered.
Button drove an excellent race to secure second place for McLaren, setting the fastest lap and demonstrating strong pace throughout. The British driver's consistency kept him firmly in second place in the championship standings, though the title battle was effectively over. Webber claimed third place for Red Bull, ensuring another solid constructor points haul for the dominant team. Fernando Alonso finished fourth for Ferrari, while Lewis Hamilton could only manage fifth after a difficult weekend. The race featured several incidents and safety car periods typical of street circuits, but Vettel's superiority meant the result was never in doubt. His tenth victory of the season put him 124 points clear with just four races remaining - the championship would be decided at the next round in Japan.