After the exciting and tactical Australian Grand Prix, the F1 paddock moves on to Malaysia and the Sepang International Circuit.
The first race of the season was one where tyres were the main talking point, and numerous stories and sub-plots meant we only saw the true conclusion by the chequered flag. Kimi Raikkonen took victory there, but now all focus moves on to Malaysia, where there is a high chance of high temperatures, wet weather and lots of drama.
The Sepang circuit is a favourite amongst drivers, particularly when compared to Hermann Tilke's (the track's designer) other layouts. It has a smooth surface and challenges drivers with high speed sweeping turns, tight hairpins and long straights.
There's often a compromise to be made here. Do you run higher down force and excel in the mid-high speed turns or do you take off some wing and get better top speed. The track boasts two long straights that are almost parallel to one another, and a series of other shorter bursts. Mixing high speeds and big braking zones is a good recipe for overtaking and there is always plenty of it in Malaysia.
Built and opened in 1999, the track has always stirred up some interesting racing. Not only due to the track design but also through the Malaysian weather. Like Australia, the weather can change with the drop of a hat. Humidity is always high, that is guaranteed, but it can be sunny one minute and tipping it down with rain moments later. Due to the later start time, to aid European viewers, storms and heavy rain is a common factor.
Red flags are a common occurrence during the race due to the sometimes monsoon conditions. In 2009 the race was stopped altogether, Button being awarded half points. 2012 also saw the red flag in use but this time the race was restarted, Alonso went on to eventually win.
The heavy braking zones always create some a good spectacle for the fans. Whether its incident or overtake, there is always something to talk about. The main talking point in 2012 was the battle at the front between double world champion Fernando Alonso and the inexperienced Sergio Perez. The battle looked to be heating up when Perez showed his age and made an error, falling back.
The 2013 field is still relatively unknown after the rain and jumbled up grid in Australia. There is no doubt that Lotus look fast and seem able to maintain the Pirelli tyres. Both Ferrari's look strong, as do both Red Bull's and the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton. McLaren look to be falling back slightly and Force India could challenge them for the bottom end of the points.
Marussia are looking to capitalise on their strong start to the year, both of their rookie drivers finished on their debut's. Meanwhile Nico Hulkenberg can not wait for the race in Malaysia, after a problem with his car meant he failed to even line up on the grid in Australia.
Malaysian Grand Prix Factfile:
Location: Sepang, Malaysia
Length: 3.444 miles
Direction: Clockwise
Turns: 15
Laps: 56
Gear changes per lap: 53
Full throttle: 64%
First race: 1999
Lap record: Juan Pablo Montoya Williams 2004 1m34.223
Tyre compounds: Medium and Hard
2012 race winner: Fernando Alonso
2012 pole sitter: Lewis Hamilton
2012 fastest lap: Kimi Raikkonen 1m40.722
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| (c) Sky Sports F1 |
The Sepang circuit is a favourite amongst drivers, particularly when compared to Hermann Tilke's (the track's designer) other layouts. It has a smooth surface and challenges drivers with high speed sweeping turns, tight hairpins and long straights.
There's often a compromise to be made here. Do you run higher down force and excel in the mid-high speed turns or do you take off some wing and get better top speed. The track boasts two long straights that are almost parallel to one another, and a series of other shorter bursts. Mixing high speeds and big braking zones is a good recipe for overtaking and there is always plenty of it in Malaysia.
Built and opened in 1999, the track has always stirred up some interesting racing. Not only due to the track design but also through the Malaysian weather. Like Australia, the weather can change with the drop of a hat. Humidity is always high, that is guaranteed, but it can be sunny one minute and tipping it down with rain moments later. Due to the later start time, to aid European viewers, storms and heavy rain is a common factor.
Red flags are a common occurrence during the race due to the sometimes monsoon conditions. In 2009 the race was stopped altogether, Button being awarded half points. 2012 also saw the red flag in use but this time the race was restarted, Alonso went on to eventually win.
The heavy braking zones always create some a good spectacle for the fans. Whether its incident or overtake, there is always something to talk about. The main talking point in 2012 was the battle at the front between double world champion Fernando Alonso and the inexperienced Sergio Perez. The battle looked to be heating up when Perez showed his age and made an error, falling back.
The 2013 field is still relatively unknown after the rain and jumbled up grid in Australia. There is no doubt that Lotus look fast and seem able to maintain the Pirelli tyres. Both Ferrari's look strong, as do both Red Bull's and the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton. McLaren look to be falling back slightly and Force India could challenge them for the bottom end of the points.
Marussia are looking to capitalise on their strong start to the year, both of their rookie drivers finished on their debut's. Meanwhile Nico Hulkenberg can not wait for the race in Malaysia, after a problem with his car meant he failed to even line up on the grid in Australia.
Malaysian Grand Prix Factfile:
 |
| (c) AllF1 |
Length: 3.444 miles
Direction: Clockwise
Turns: 15
Laps: 56
Gear changes per lap: 53
Full throttle: 64%
First race: 1999
Lap record: Juan Pablo Montoya Williams 2004 1m34.223
Tyre compounds: Medium and Hard
2012 race winner: Fernando Alonso
2012 pole sitter: Lewis Hamilton
2012 fastest lap: Kimi Raikkonen 1m40.722
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