Track Preview; Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang

As we head to Sepang for the Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend for the sixteenth race of the 2016 season Pirelli have shown the P Zero Orange hard, P Zero White medium, and P Zero Yellow soft tyres that have been nominated for the first time since Silverstone.

The only thing in common that the Malaysian Grand Prix has with the nearby Singapore Grand Prix that preceded it is humidity: around 80% humidity is a common occurrence, as a result of which there are tropical torrential downpours almost on a daily basis.

The actual circuit however is totally different, with high speeds and long corners as well as high temperatures; hence this is one of the reasons why the three hardest compounds in the Pirelli range. But for the first time since Canada, the hardest available compound must be used in the race (with two sets of hard nominated as obligatory sets).

The track has been completely resurfaced, following a three-month closure earlier this year. As a result of this, this may mean that it is less abrasive than before: a typical characteristic of Sepang in the past. But the track temperatures are nearly always high at the circuit: it's actually possible to fry an egg on the asphalt!

But let's not forget that in the past races, we have seen that wear and degradation has been high, making a multi-stop race likely. And you must never forget that heavy rain has often been a feature of the Malaysian Grand Prix, even causing red flags. It also means that any rubber laid down is washed away, affecting the weekend's track evolution.

Sepang is a varied circuit but there are also some fast corners with high lateral energy loads. The new surface should mean that the track is a lot less bumpy. The front-left tyre gets worked hardest, which tends to be the limiting factor in stint lengths.

As I have already mentioned, there's an entirely new surface, plus new drainage, new kerbs and redesigned gravel traps. The event also has a new calendar slot; moving from a March date last year to late September this year and also the track action starts on Thursday this year with the first GP2 session in the late afternoon.

Here's my facts and figures as well as my predictions heading into the Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend-
Facts and Figures

•Sepang has hosted the Grand Prix since 1999, even though the Malaysia has a long racing tradition as a country.

•Sebastian Vettel is the most successful driver to win the Grand Prix with four wins

•Ferrari are the most successful constructor to win the Grand Prix with seven wins

•Race distance: 310.40 (192.76 miles)
•Number of turns:15
•Top speed: 300kph
•Lap record: Juan Pablo Montoya- Williams (2004)- 1.34.223

Last five winners of the Malaysian Grand Prix:-

•2011-Sebastian Vettel
•2012-Fernando Alonso
•2013- Sebastian Vettel
•2014-Lewis Hamilton
•2015- Sebastian Vettel

My five things to look out for this weekend:-

1.Tyre performance-With Pirelli bringing the hardest tyre choices to Malaysia, all eyes will be upon Pirelli to see if the tyres will spice up the action at the track this weekend. But it will be interesting to see how that affects tyre usage and strategy during the race especially given the fact that the front-left tyre will be the most worked. Will this impact anyone's race on Sunday as a result?

2.Weather- As I have already mentioned, the weather can change during the event at any given time and all the teams and the drivers will have to find fast dry and also wet weather set ups. Will this affect anyone?

3.Safety Car- With the Safety Car having made appearances at the event (the 2009 race brings to mind) and with the track having had changes to help with that, will we see the Safety Car appearing again this weekend and make an appearance this weekend?

4.Performance of the Red Bull and Ferraris team- With the Red Bull team now being left behind after Ferrari have found some form on the track in Singapore and Ferrari now starting to catch Red Bull again, all eyes will be upon both teams to deliver the goods this weekend at a circuit that usually bodes well for both of them.

5.Performance of the Mercedes team- With Mercedes being the firm favourites heading into the race this weekend, all eyes will be upon them to see if they will still be as competitive as they were last season. But with Red Bull and Ferrari showing good performance and pace in the first few races, has their advantage and stranglehold on the sport been broken?

Sky Sports F1 are showing uninterrupted and live coverage of every Practice session, Qualifying and race this season and also Channel 4 are showing coverage. Details for both are as follows below:-

•*Sky Sports F1*:- Friday (Practice 1 and 2) 2.45am and 6.45am, Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 6.45am and 9.00am, Sunday (Race) 6.30am

•*Channel Four*:- Friday (Practice 2) 6.55am, Saturday (Practice 3 and Qualifying) 6.55am and 9.00am, Sunday (Race and Highlights) 7.00am and 4.50pm

Sarah Jones- @jonesy_laaa