Ferrari, Red Bull again lead Mercedes at Singapore GP

Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen set the two fastest times in Saturday’s pre-qualifying practice session at the Singapore Grand Prix, posing a major threat to Mercedes’ hopes of equalling the record for the most consecutive pole positions in Formula One history.

Mercedes has taken 23 straight poles, one off the mark set by the Williams team across the 1992 and 1993 seasons, and was expected to equal the record here.

Kvyat, Ricciardo placed third, fourth

Red Bull drivers Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo were third and fourth fastest respectively.

With Ferrari thriving in the hot conditions, and the nimble but power-light Red Bull performing well on the slow corners at the Marina Bay street circuit, those teams look capable of ending Mercedes’ long monopoly of pole positions.

Can they do it?

If either team manages a pole breakthrough later on Saturday, it would end a drought — Red Bull was last on pole in 2013 and Ferrari in 2012.

McLaren driver Fernando Alonso set the seventh fastest time as he thrived on a track where Honda’s power deficit was largely negated. He had not qualified above 13th all season.

Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz Jr. and Max Verstappen were eighth and ninth fastest respectively, and Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson was tenth.