Claims that static from a passing underground train derailed Formula One driver Mark Webber's hopes in the Singapore Grand Prix last month have been dismissed by the city-state's Mass Rapid Transit system operator.

Webber's Red Bull team principal Christian Horner told Britain's Autosport magazine last week that it appeared a sudden electrical surge at turn 13 was responsible for the Australian driver's gearbox trying to select two gears at once and breaking on lap 30.

"A tram line runs beneath the track at that corner and it seems as if static from a passing tram at the very moment Mark was in the corner passed through the ground," he said.

But train operator SMRT swatted aside Horner's theory.

"There is no MRT track beneath Turn 13," a spokesman told local media. "The nearest MRT tunnel is about 200 metres away, with a depth of about 10 metres.

"In addition, train wheels and running rails are made of metal and therefore do not generate static electricity charges during train operations."

Webber had been running behind Renault's eventual race winner Fernando Alonso and might have finished second after pitting before the safety car was deployed for the first time.

Williams's Nico Rosberg took second place in the inaugural night race with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton third.

Going into the this weekend's race in Japan, Hamilton leads Ferrari's Felipe Massa by seven points, with two races to go after Japan.