Track: Sepang International Circuit
Track Length: 3.444 mi./5.543 km.
Laps: 56
Tire Compounds: Medium and Hard
Previous
Winners: 2014: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2013: Sebastian
Vettel (Red Bull)
2012: Fernando
Alonso(Ferrari)
2011:
Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
2010: Sebastian
Vettel (Red Bull)
The Sepang International Circuit was designed by Hermann
Tilke and first hosted Formula 1 in 1999. The track feature many high speed
corners and also long straights connected by low speed corners. This means that
teams will want to find setups that allow for high top speed down the straights
but also enough downforce to get through the corners quickly. The weather is
always hot and humid in Malaysia which makes it one of the most physical races
for the drivers all year. There is also usually a high chance of heavy tropical
storms at some point throughout the weekend which can lead to unpredictable
results
Main Headlines
Weather: As noted
above weather can play a factor at the Malaysian Grand Prix and this weekend is
no different. Rain during qualifying can lead to a mixed up grid and rain
during the race can cause chaos especially if heavy. How quickly the drivers
can react to any change in conditions can drastically effect where the finish
in the race.
The return of
Fernando Alonso: Fernando Alonso missed the first race in Australia two
weeks ago but should race this weekend as long as he passes the FIA medical
test. McLaren looks to be in a difficult position as they were the slowest cars
in qualifying in Australia. Can Alonso bring a spark to the team or will they
continue to struggle?
The return of
Valtteri Bottas: Valtteri Bottas also missed the Australian Grand Prix
after a back injury during qualifying. This cost him the chance of gaining
valuable points for the championship and he will definitely be looking to make
up lost ground this weekend.
Will Manor make it on
track: Manor came to Australia hoping to get on the race track but never
managed to do so. Bernie Ecclestone was not to pleased about this so the team
will be hoping for a change this weekend. The team desperately needs some on
track running as they have not had any all year. If they can get on track, just
qualifying for the race will be a challenge.
Who will win the
Mercedes battle: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg ran away with the
Australian Grand Prix two weeks ago and look to be favorites for the title.
Rosberg will want to be sure that Hamilton does not get another win and start
to build a lead in the championship. Hamilton will be looking to build on his
momentum from last race and will be looking for another win.
Prediction: I expect
to see a Lewis Hamilton taking his second victory of the year as Mercedes is
definitely the car to beat. However, due to the possibility of rain I am going
to say Sebastian Vettel will take home second place and Kimi Raikkonen will
take home third for a double podium for Ferrari while Nico Rosberg will run
into problems costing him a podium. Williams should be close but might be hurt
by the rain as they seemed to struggle with wet conditions last year.
Podium Prediction
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
3. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
How do you think the race will turn out this weekend? Do you
see Mercedes taking home another 1-2 finish or do you think rain will lead to a
chaotic race. Please share your thoughts below along with your podium
prediction for the race.
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