DRIVER QUOTES LEADING UP TO THE F1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX

As F1 seasons approach their end, tensions always rise. Blood pressure; too. Previously-held negative beliefs regarding your teammate have likely grown stronger. Relative to the pit crew, reactions to their ineptitude have likely been of the temper tantrum variety. 

Including this weekend's night race in Singapore, only four challenges remain. Japan, China, and Brazil follow in succession. After fourteen races, the quotes usually get better and the stories are more significant. Here's a collection of F1 driver quotes from the very recent past leading up to the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

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"I’ve never raced at night before, but I don’t think it is going to be a problem." Lewis Hamilton, McLaren-Mercedes: currently #1 in the chamionship.

"I am really looking forward to competing in it and, hopefully, making a little history." Felipe Massa, Ferrari: currently #2 in the championship. (Photo top right, AP)

"Visibility is no problem, just a slight glare from the lights, but no problem." Nico Rosberg, Williams: currently #14 in the championship.

"At a new circuit the first lap you walk with the team is very important as you assess the corners and try to guess what speed will be needed at that corner, where will be the breaking point and which gear you will use." Fernando Alonso, Renault: currently #7 in the championship.

"We should never underestimate what Toro Rosso has done this year. If you look at their pace in the last few races, especially in qualifying, I think they have been seriously fast. We can't take anything for granted." Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren-Mercedes: currently #6 in the championship.

"The kerbs are like little tortoises and if you get something wrong you wreck the car." Ferrari's Felipe Massa.

(Click here for the Singapore GP online viewing page)

"We work with each other and want Ferrari to be world champion, but we are not friends. We have no private relationship. If we are together in a meeting, when it is finished he opens the door and is gone." Again, Ferrari's Felipe Massa in reference to Kimi Raikkonen.

"I've said it many times - victory is the only objective, the essence of motor racing. I'm not just here for driving - I want to win." Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen: currently #4 in the championship.

"Normally you would be resting in an evening but in Singapore the race will start at 8pm." Toyota driver Timo Glock: currently #11 in the championship.

"They say it's a night race but for the drivers it will be really bright." BMW driver Robert Kubica: currently #3 in the championship.

"Rain combined with the artificial light is the great unknown for me with this race." BMW driver Nick Heidfeld: currently #5 in the championship.

"My thoughts are still on next year, but when you jump into a Grand Prix you have to give it everything, otherwise it is unsafe initially. There is no point thinking otherwise. My focus is not on next year. It is on every race I go for. I think the team's focus should be on next year." Honda driver Jenson Button: currently #18 in the championship.