Venue: Sepang International Circuit, Selangor, Malaysia
Track length: 5.543 km
Race distance: 310.408 km (56 laps)
Malaysia held the first ever F1 race in Asia outside of Japan,
and this year marks the 10th edition of the Grand Prix. The track
is fast and flowing, and its width makes it seem like a runway in
places. The racing is generally better than average, and the first
corner is often the scene of carnage at the start of the race. In
spite of the width though, overtaking opportunities do not number
above average, with the entry to turns 1, 4 and 15 being the most
popular spots. Monsoon weather has wreaked havoc before once, in
2001, and rain can never be ruled out.
A medium-high downforce is used to help the cars cope with the
many fast corners on the track. On the straights, which are unique
in being parallel to each other, 320 km/h is still attainable. 2
pitstops are the way to go, with the softer tyre prefered for 2
stints in last year's race. The heat, the humidity and the flowing
nature make the race particularly punishing on the drivers, the
engines and the brakes.
Of the current crop of drivers, only Alonso, Fisichella and
Räikkönen have won this race before, in 2007 and 2005, 2006 and
2003 respectively. Hamilton had a particularly good run to second
place last year. The circuit also represents a happy hunting ground
for Toyota, which made the points scoring positions in the last 3
seasons.
All eyes will be on several teams this weekend, especially title
chasers Ferrari, as both their cars faltered in the heat of
Melbourne. The drivers who were involved in accidents will be
looking to keep their noses clean and redeem themselves. Nakajima
has already been saddled with a 10-place grid penalty for colliding
with Kubica in the Australian leg.
Will the hottest race on the calendar yield as much action as
the opening round of the season? You'll have to tune in at 3 p.m.
on Sunday to find out!