Singapore Grand Prix 2012: Tyres to play major role as Lewis Hamilton tries to reel in Ferrari's Fernando Alonso Thereafter it is going to be all about tyre strategy, as it has been all year. This is such a punishing race. If you decide to try to eke out an extra lap, only to find your tyres drop off a cliff half way around, you are going to lose masses of time with so many corners to negotiate. Timing your pit stops right will be absolutely crucial. Talking points Singapore is a relatively new race but is firmly established as a must-keep. The place has real energy and it looks spectacular. As well as the old colonial buildings, which are so impressive when lit up at night, there are new developments every year. Sponsors love it, drivers love it, fans love partying until 5am. The traffic gets a bit snarled up, but you can see how seriously they want the race here. I was at a function yesterday with the president of Singapore. You don't get many heads of state turning up at grands prix. Details Saturday: Qualifying, 2pm Sunday: Race, 1pm Television: Qualifying - Sky Sports F1, 1pm; BBC1, 1pm-3.30pm Race - Sky Sports F1, 11.30am; BBC1, 12.10pm-3.15pm Circuit Marina Bay Laps: 61 Circuit length: 5.073km 2011 winner: Sebastian Vettel.