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It seems not even Formula One drivers are immune from that notorious curse of Singapore commuters -- heavy traffic.
This was the excuse Lotus driver Heikki Kovalainen gave for his luke-warm performance in qualifying for Sunday's grand prix, although in the Finn's case it was neither taxis nor city workers clogging up the streets but fellow racing drivers on the downtown circuit.
"Qualifying today was quite difficult to be honest. The traffic made it really tricky as there were cars on slow laps when I was on a quick one," Kovalainen said after finishing 19th for the night-time grand prix start.
"I gave it my best shot, and I think the last lap was about as good as I could have done today," he said, before adding that he expected his Malaysian-owned team to fare better on race day.
"It's still game on for tomorrow, and I think we're in good shape for the race."
Team mate Jarno Trulli qualified further back in 21st but team principal and Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes put on a brave face.
"I don't think we got the best out the car today, but it is what it is," he said. "Honestly, I'm reasonably happy.
"As development on this year's car stopped back in July and we put our resources into the 2011 car, we always knew the competition would become closer as the season drew to an end, with our closest rivals continuing to bring upgrades to each race."
(Editing by Justin Palmer; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
(For more news, visit Reuters India)
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