Hamilton: Mercedes back on form in Singapore

Lewis Hamilton hailed a vast improvement from his Mercedes car during practice for the Singapore Grand Prix, as the Silver Arrows returned to the top of the timesheets in Marina Bay.

Ferrari have been the dominant force in F1's two races since the summer break, with Charles Leclerc winning in Belgium and Italy.

However, the high-downforce requirements of Singapore were always expected to play more into Mercedes' hands this year and Hamilton was duly quickest in FP2, having secured a top-three spot in FP1 on hard tyres.

Hamilton said afterwards: "I was really happy, I felt much better in the car today than I have for a while.

"I hope that stays over the whole of the weekend. But I think they redid a few patches, a few bits of tarmac on the circuit, the tyres are working well.

"If you can get into a groove over here then it's such a beautiful lap. I really enjoyed it. We've definitely got some areas we need to improve, which is always good, and nothing is ever perfect.

"It's just finding pieces into the puzzle to make it perfect.

"I'm looking for that special lap that we had obviously last year and I think we got off to a good start, but still putting it altogether tomorrow it's going to be tough.

"I think also the Red Bull was looking very, very quick. I'm excited for the challenge."

Max Verstappen was the only rival to get close to Hamilton, and it remains to be seen if Red Bull can stick to Mercedes' coattails.

Hamilton added: "I think my guys have a summary now on where we stand.

"I mean I was obviously quickest in that session but they were very, very close behind us.

"We don't know if they've had a perfect lap or whether we will all turn up and then I'll find out later."

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