De la Rosa not in Singapore for night race

For the first time in many years, Pedro de la Rosa will be watching a grand prix this weekend from the comfort of his Zurich home.

The Spanish 39-year-old, who before returning to the F1 grid this year with Sauber was McLaren’s long-time tester and veteran of some 70 grands prix, has been ousted and replaced for Singapore and beyond by Nick Heidfeld.

"It’s a shame I’m not racing because Singapore would have been my first night race," he said.

"But I will be following the race with interest from home," added de la Rosa.

"I must admit it will be difficult to watch on TV because for years I have either been taking part or commentating, so to see it from the sofa will be very strange," he admitted.