The Singapore Grand Prix on the Marina Bay circuit is known to be the toughest race in the Formula One calendar, but this season it's also going to be keenly contested.
With McLaren's Lewis Hamilton just a point ahead of his closest rival Kimi Raikkonen on 142 and the latter in turn one point ahead of Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel -- the Singapore GP is the make or break race for the three. Also since this the seventh race before the season comes to a close, it is expected to be closely contested.
Ferrari's Fernando Also is way ahead of the pack with 179 points in 13 races and is a clear favorite for the Championship.
"We'll see in the next couple of races how the teams develop the parts. At the moment McLaren has won the last three Grands Prix and they are in top form," Alonso told Formula1.com.
"I think from Jerez they won in winter testing, and who was the driver that I respect more, that was Lewis, and we're still here -- 11 or 12 races afterwards we are first and second in the championship. It will be tough until the end.
Meanwhile, Hamilton is still surrounded by speculations about his future with the McLaren as rumors continue to do rounds over his move to Mercedes. This despite that fact that he clearly stated during a promotional event in India that he intends to stay with McLaren.
"I have not signed up with anyone. I have to get that (contract) sorted out (with McLaren). People are doing this in the background. Lot of stories are written about it, lot of speculations. But I don't get distracted by this rubbish. I am 100 percent focused on the world championship," Hamilton said last Sunday.
This leaves out Raikkonen and Vettel to go all guns blazing in the season's only night race. But with the European leg of the race coming to an end in Monza, Raikkonen and Vettel will definitely find it difficult as their cars are more suited to straight-line speeds of Europe.
This despite that fact that engine supplier Renault has sorted out the alternator problem that usually occurs in hot and humid conditions.
"There is no reason why Singapore should be any different compared to Valencia," Raikkonen told Associated Press. "Like at every street circuit, it's very difficult to pass other cars there, so starting the race as high as possible on the grid is a very important factor to get a good result."