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Rosberg holds off Ricciardo charge to win in Singapore

September 18, 2016

Nico Rosberg's performance in Singapore was one worthy of a champion. On the glitz and glamor of the Singapore track, Rosberg held off a number of challengers to win the race.

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Formel 1 Grand Prix Marina Bay City Circuit in Singapur Nico Rosberg
Image: Reuters/E. Su

Nico Rosberg won the Singapore Grand Prix from pole position to go above world champion and Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers' Championship standings.

Rosberg's third win in a row, and first in Singapore, was a true test of his quality as the German held off a strong challenge from Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo who finished second. Hamilton had to settle for third and once again cut a frustrated figure during the race, one stating over the team radio: "Come on guys, I need a strategy where I can overtake."

In what grew into an extremely tactical race on the Marina Bay street circuit, brake use and tyre management played a huge role. Other than Rosberg, last year's winner Sebastian Vettel impressed in his handling of the race as the Ferrari driver finished fifth after starting last on the grid.
After a chaotic start that brought out a safety car on the opening lap, both Rosberg and Hamilton were warned they would have to manage their brakes, which appeared to be a concern for the team throughout the race. Rosberg held on in a tense last lap though, to take the chequered flag 0.4 seconds ahead of Ricciardo. The result lifts Rosberg on to 273 points, eight clear of Hamilton with six races remaining.