As the Formula 1 circus heads to Malaysia for round two of the 2008 World Championship there are still many unanswered questions regarding the form of teams and drivers. With the extremely high attrition rate in Melbourne it is difficult to gain a clear picture of who is in the best shape. Although Lewis Hamilton won commandingly for McLaren, their biggest rivals Ferrari were the architects of their own downfall. When the red cars did manage to stay on the black stuff they were right on the pace of McLaren.
This year marks Formula 1’s tenth visit to the Sepang International Circuit, located outside Kuala Lumpur. Temperamental weather systems have contributed to some exciting races over the years with sudden downpours not uncommon. In 2001 both Ferrari drivers were caught out by such an event, although Schumacher and Barrichello still managed to finish first and second respectively. If it does rain it will be fascinating to see how the drivers cope without traction control.
The circuit itself offers two excellent overtaking opportunities. Turn one involves heavy braking into an extremely tight right-hander. It is possible for a driver to place his car on the outside of a rival in this turn as it means they will have the inside line for the tight left-hander which follows almost immediately. The final turn, a sharp left-hander following a long straight, also provides a good opportunity for passing.
Last year's race was dominated by McLaren but, with Ferrari desperate to start scoring major points, Raikkonen and Massa will be up for the fight. History is on their side. Ferrari have scored four victories at Aepang, compared to McLaren's two. Meanwhile, BMW-Sauber showed in Australia that they have genuine pace to threaten the big two. Williams will be hoping to continue their good start to the season while the midfield battle will be as hectic as ever. Fernando Alonso does not have the best car at his disposal but the double World Champion can never be discounted. His team-mate Nelson Piquet Jr will be looking to improve after a difficult maiden race weekend.
- Date of race: Sunday 23rd March, 2008
- Race distance: 56 laps
- Circuit length: 3.444 miles (5.543 km)
- Lap record: 1min 34.223 seconds (Montoya, 2004)
- Weather forecast: Rain on Saturday. Rain on Sunday morning. Cloudy with drizzle in the afternoon.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
- 1999 (Eddie Irvine, Ferrari)
- 2000 (Michael Schumacher, Ferrari)
- 2001 (Michael Schumacher, Ferrari)
- 2002 (Ralf Schumacher, Williams)
- 2003 (Kimi Raikkonen, McLaren)
- 2004 (Michael Schumacher, Ferrari)
- 2005 (Fernando Alonso, Renault)
- 2006 (Giancarlo Fisichella, Renault)
- 2007 (Fernando Alonso, McLaren)
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