Venue: Sepang F1 International Circuit
Laps: 56
Race start: 1700 HRS SIN
Sepang was first used as an F1 venue 10 years ago, although it
was the second-to-last event on the calendar then. It consists of
sweeping medium-speed bends and slow turns that are connected
by straights of different lengths over undulating terrain. A
medium to medium-high downforce set-up is usually called for. The
best overtaking opportunities are at Turns 1, 4, 9 and 15, and
the runs into these corners are good places to use the KERS boost
during the race.
A big challenge for the teams this weekend would once again be
nursing the soft tyres in the heat during the race. The prime tyre,
which is the Bridgestone hard compound, is also an unknown
quantity as it was not used during pre-season testing.
The major development of the weekend is Lewis Hamilton's
disqualification from the previous race and the simultaneous
retraction of Jarno Trulli's penalty. Hamilton and McLaren gave
statements at the initial hearing that contradicted what they said
over the radio and to the media. Thus Trulli retains the 3rd place
that he finished in.
The Brawn team, after taking a 1-2 victory last week, will be
the focus of the weekend. BMW's Robert Kubica came close to
taking victory from them before tangling with Sebastian
Vettel, but If the new team get their race strategy
right this weekend, they could dominant the proceedings even more.
All eyes will also be on the weather and the light conditions at
dusk, as some drivers complained about visibility in Australia. The
later start time could also coincide with a rain shower and result
in the stoppage of the race.