Vettel: It’s easy to say we switched to slicks early

At the end of the second part of qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll ventured from intermediate tires to slicks. However, the calculation didn’t work out – the Aston Martin racers were unable to add and reach the final.

Lance Walk (12th): “Changing to slicks in the second part of qualifying was risky, but at the time I thought it was the right decision. However, I unlocked the wheels at Turn 16, which was quite wet, although I gained a second from my previous result by then.

I continue to believe that we did the right thing. In such conditions it is always difficult, because you have to guess what the grip will be in the corner. The fact that different sections of the track have different asphalt only complicates the task.

The car has a good pace, which allows you to claim points in the race. I am sure we will be able to compete for a place in the top ten.

Sebastian Vettel (14th): “Now it’s easy to say we switched to slicks too early, but at the time it seemed like it could work. We discussed and decided together – maybe I should have trusted my instincts more.

On the slicks at the end of the second part I was able to attack on dry parts of the track, but I locked the wheels too early and the third sector of the track remained too wet.

If it rains in the race it will help, but we have a good pace in the long series so we will do our best to fight for points.”

Mike Krak, Team Principal: “After heavy rain throughout the day, the track remained wet during qualifying which started at 9pm local time. In the first session we showed the 11th and 13th times on the intermediate tires.

At the end of the second session we discussed tire choice with the riders and decided to switch to Soft. Unfortunately Sebastian locked the wheels off the brakes in Turn 7 on a fast lap and Lance didn’t have enough to reach the final. Tomorrow we will compete for points.