ING Renault driver Fernando Alonso was the surprise winner of the inaugural Singapore F1 Grand Prix. Held under lights the world’s first night time Formula One race went off without a hitch for the organisers but the same couldn’t be said for Ferrari with both Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen striking major problems in the race.

Massa had led the race early but a disastrous pitstop which saw him leave before the refuelling hose had been removed cost him any chance of a win.

It was the second such incident for the team and their “high tech” starting lights system. TV replays showed that Massa had clearly been given the green light to move off despite the fact that the refuelling rig was still firmly attached to the car. A Ferrari mechanic was knocked down but thankfully there were no serious injuries.

Massa was given a drive-through penalty for leaving his pit dangerously to rub further salt into the wound.

Alonso’s win was ironically set up thanks to a crash involving his Renault team mate Nelson Piquet. Alonso, and the Red Bull pair of Mark Webber and David Coulthard pitted before the safety car placing them in a perfect position for the restart.

Webber however could not take advantage of the good timing when his car developed gearbox problems forcing him out of the race.

Williams had a great weekend with a strong second to Nico Rosberg who held off the challenge of World championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton seemed content to finish third with his two principle competitors for the title both out of contention after Kimi Raikkonen hit the wall late in the race.

Toyota’s Timo Glock put in a solid performance to take fourth with last round winner Sebastian Vettel bringing his Toro Rosso home in fifth.

The series now moves on to Japan where Ferrari will be hoping to regroup as Hamilton and McLaren bask in the knowledge that they now only have to finish each race somewhere in the points to take the championship.