Posted on 26th March 2014
Malaysian Grand Prix Preview.
Sepang (Kuala Lumpur)
Laser cut circuit by Graham & Leigh www.grahamandleigh.co.uk
The Facts
Lap – 5.543km
Race Laps: 56 (310.408 km)
Lap Record: 1:34.223 J.P Montoya (2004)
2013 Winner: Sebastian Vettel- Red Bull
Race Date 30.03.2014
Safety Car – Possible, Due To Weather.
Weather – Hot, Humid & Possible Storms
Tyres – Medium & Hard
A permanent fixture on the calendar, the Sepang International Circuit has proven to be that rarest of things: a well-liked creation of F1’s much-maligned designer Hermann Tilke.
The Sepang International track was dreamt up by Kuala Lumpur Premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad. It was his vision to place the track centre-stage as part of the country’s accelerated project of industrialisation.
The circuit made its debut in 1999 and, although Eddie Irvine crossed the line first with Ferrari, Mika Hakkinen and McLaren were handed the win after both Irvine and his team-mate Michael Schumacher were disqualified for a technical infringement.
The track itself is known for its long, high-speed straights and tight corners, making it the ideal circuit for overtaking.
Hugely technical, the circuit is said to be a drivers’ favorite as it forces them to put their driving skills to the toughest of tests.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
• 2013: Sebastian Vettel
• 2012: Fernando Alonso
• 2011: Sebastian Vettel
• 2010: Sebastian Vettel
• 2009: Jenson Button
• 2008: Kimi Raikkonen
• 2007: Fernando Alonso
• 2006: Giancarlo Fisichella
• 2005: Fernando Alonso
• 2004: Michael Schumacher
A sweeping, high-speed circuit, it is actually built on a 260-hectare swamp with naturally-made bumps starting to emerge on the track, adding some unpredictability compared to smoother surfaces of tracks elsewhere.
The Sepang Circuit is one of my favourite tracks on the F1 calendar. It was the first ultra modern circuit with large run off areas, and a 22 meter wide track in some places, it set a benchmark in track safety.
There's always good racing around Sepang, the wide track means there is plenty of opportunity for overtaking. The DRS zones are the back and start finish straights, each zone will have an individual detection zone. These will aid overtaking possibilities but there are also several other points around the track that also present overtaking opportunities.
With the new 2014 specification cars, expect to see some great battles right though the field.
F1 PETRONAS MALAYSIA GRAND PRIX
Live Coverage On Sky F1 28 -30th March
Times In GMT / BST ON AIR START
FRIDAY 28 MARCH
PRACTICE 1 01:45 02:00
PRACTICE 2 05:45 06:00
SATURDAY 29 MARCH
PRACTICE 3 04:45 05:00
QUALIFYING 07:00 08:00
SUNDAY 30 MARCH
GRAND PRIX 07:30 09:00
We will be tweeting live for those who can’t get to see the race @Drivin4Pleasure
