Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has moved to allay fears the haze will be a factor in this Sunday's Formula One Singapore Grand Prix. 

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Rosberg said: "It's exciting to be here, you know it's a great race track, it's a great atmosphere, great city, the whole event is fantastic. My best position has been second up to now, so this year I need to do one position better.

"No, [the haze won't be a factor] because it's reduced now, it should be fine. I don't think it will be a problem."

On the importance of winning in Singapore, Rosberg said: "Yeah, for sure it's important. He's (Lewis Hamilton) done a great job this year and also I got a bit of bad luck last race with the engine breaking, so I lost some points. So now he's quite a few points ahead, that's disappointing. But I need to keep pushing, you know, it's important to try and close the gap now."