F1-Blog

Malaysia Preview

The second of our 2008 fly away opening races is upon us, just one week after the Australian GP.

This one is again a difficult, hot race, and cars that had heat issues last week will probably have more of the same.

Sepang is also a challenging circuit for the engines, even if the heat is not too bad as it has a very high percentage of full throttle around the 3.444 miles (5.543km) circuit. It seems that this might be the last of the daytime races, as the organisers have put in to be allowed to run at night from 2009.

This will be the tenth time the teams have been around the track, and it’s always an interesting race as there are a fair few overtaking opportunities  to be had if the drivers are brave enough.

The track used to be dominated by the Schumacher brothers, with Michael winning three times and Ralf having won in 2002 driving for Williams (BMW). Since then Fernando has won twice at the track and his then team mate Giancarlo Fisichella won the 2006 race in the Renault.

Don’t expect the Renault’s to win it this year though, as the team still have some work to do to become competitive at the front again, so it would look from the stat’s that the win should goto a Ferrari (4 wins), but I think I will hedge a bet on one of the McLaren’s (2 Wins) this time round.

The McLaren cars start strong this race, they had a technically trouble free race at Australia in the high heat, so it seems that the team’s cooling strategy for the Mercedes engine is a good one. Ferrari will be wanting to make amends for their dreadful showing last week though, and have new engines in both cars, so as long as they can make them last Kimi and Filipe will no doubt be strong.

BMW and Williams are the two dark outsiders, BMW showed exemplary pace last week, and have certainly taken a step towards the front, with drivers to match, Nick Heidfeld has taken the team lead role well, and his level headed driving earned him the second spot last week, that is matched perfectly with the fast and exciting driving style of Robert Kubicca, so expect the team to be there or thereabouts.

Williams is a little more difficult to judge, Nico Rosberg has taken to the role of team leader, and settled down into a good, fast, dependable driver. Kazuki Nakajima however is still an unknown. Yes he has some pedigree, but I wonder if it’s perhaps a year too soon for the Japanese driver in F1.

The Red Bull team are probably going to look good, as may the Toyota team, however it is still uncertain if Timo Glock will be racing, as he is said to still be having issues after his big shunt last week. If he does not drive, then the third driver Kamui Kobayashi will take the seat for the race, and he is a complete unknown, however has shown turns of speed in his Formula Renault days.

Remember that ITV-F1.com is showing all of the sessions live, so make sure your up at 2am and 6am on Friday for the Practice sessions.

Google Earth View of Sepang Circuit

Stats :

Fastest Lap : 1:36.701 - Lewis Hamilton
Pole Time : 1:35.043 - Filipe Massa
Most Wins : 4 by John McDonald