Rosberg's a hit with the fans at Paragon
As they came down the stage, the two drivers turned in different directions to face the crowd and sign autographs.
The 250-odd fans at The Paragon atrium area stretched out their books, posters, caps and even napkins for the signature of their favourite driver.
It was a noisy, mad scramble and amid the screams, it was surprising that most of the loud calls were for Nico Rosberg, not Lewis Hamilton.
"Nico! Nico!" they yelled intermittently.
One woman, observing near the stage, seemed surprised by the adulation for the German, one half of the Mercedes team that dominated the 2014 season and are expected to do so again here on Sunday at the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix.
"They're all clamouring for Rosberg," she told her friend.
Her surprise was understandable.
Rosberg had been jeered by huge swathes of fans at the last two Grands Prix in Belgian and Italy, following the incident where he hit Hamilton at Spa which almost certainly denied the Englishman a win as the two drivers battle for the world title.
Exactly a year ago, when the duo made an appearance at Millenia Walk, the majority of the crowd swooned over Hamilton, the 2008 world champion, paying little attention to Rosberg.
What a difference a year makes. Rosberg leads Hamilton by 22 points at the top of the drivers' standings with six races to go.
The Briton, however, will line up for the night race along downtown Singapore on a high after winning the Italian Grand Prix in Monza two Sundays ago.
Barring an unexpected turn of events, both are expected to be on the podium here and it is a toss-up over whether Rosberg or Hamilton will occupy the top step.
The true test of Rosberg's popularity in Singapore will come at around 10.15pm on Sunday.
If the boos ring out after his name is announced, then the 29-year-old will know the Lion City is not exactly behind him.
Yesterday, at The Paragon, Rosberg certainly endeared himself to the crowd.
FAVOURITE
As Hamilton answered a series of quick-fire questions on stage, the blond 29-year-old, known to be a favourite with the girls, kept waving at sections of the crowd.
He didn't pay any attention to his teammate.
Later, when asked if he preferred a track or street race, Rosberg replied: "In Singapore is where I want to race, always.
"What I love about racing here is the support we get, and the atmosphere is fantastic."
The statement drew more cheers and applause.
Rosberg, the son of Finnish 1982 Formula 1 world champion Keke Rosberg, is confident ahead of the Singapore race.
"I'm really enjoying this season. I'm lucky to have a quick race car and to have won both my home races, in Monaco and Germany," he said.
"This year's (title race) will be close. Whatever happens, I hope you guys will enjoy the rest of the season."
Already hot, the Hamilton-Rosberg duel could see temperatures rise even further along Marina Bay on Sunday night.
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