Vettel Grosjean Rosberg Formula One
Pole-setter Sebastian Vettel (C) is flanked by Nico Rosberg (R) and Romain Grosjean after the Formula One Singapore GP qualifying session, September 21Reuters

Sebastian Vettel will look for his third straight Formula One Singapore GP win when the Red Bull driver starts on pole on Sunday.

The German has been in outstanding form again this season, and it doesn't look like anyone can catch up with the defending champion.

Vettel took pole with a time of 1:42.841, with Mercedes' Nico Rosberg set to line up alongside him on second.

Lotus driver Romain Grosjean will start third ahead of Mark Webber and Lewis Hamilton. Fernando Alonso, who has won here twice previously, again failed to sparkle in qualifying, only managing seventh, one place behind Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa.

Vettel is looking forward to the night race at Singapore having won his last two Grands Prix while starting on pole, but acknowledges a win is far from a foregone conclusion.

"It's one of the toughest races we face all year," Vettel said. "I would say the toughest -- physically and mentally -- because it's so long. One lap is so long, there's so many corners, there's hardly any room for mistakes, it's very bumpy and, as you can see, we're all sweating pretty much even though we only did a couple of laps in qualifying.

"So the heat obviously and the humidity plays a factor. It will be very tough. Surely pole is the best position to start from - very happy with that as it is tricky to pass on this track. But because it is such a long race I think there is plenty of opportunities for all of us.

"Usually we get a safety car at some stage in the race. Yeah, as I said, happy to start from pole, try to have a good start and then settle into a nice rhythm and see what we can do."

Alonso, Vettel's nearest competitor for the drivers' championship standings, believes a podium finish is definitely on the cards for Ferrari.

"I think the podium can be within our grasp tomorrow (Sunday), if we have a perfect race and make the best choices in terms of strategy, tyres and the right number of stops," he said. "Here in Singapore, in five years there has always been a safety car and for that reason, here more than anywhere else, luck can make the difference."

Where to watch

The race is scheduled for a 5.30 p.m. (IST) start with it set to be telecast Live on Star Sports 2. You can also watch the race online with the official link HERE.