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Having been one of the pioneers
of Formula 1 in the Far East after joining the calendar in 1999, the
Malaysian Grand Prix runs for the last time this weekend. This year’s tyre
nominations are one step softer than last year, with the P Zero White
Medium, P Zero Yellow soft and P Zero Red supersoft selected: the same
combination last seen in Italy. The Sepang track underwent some significant
changes in 2016, being entirely resurfaced to remove many of the bumps that
were formerly a key characteristic of the circuit, originally built on a
swamp. However, the tropical and humid weather, with regular monsoon-like
downpours in the afternoon, remains a notable feature.
THE CIRCUIT FROM A TYRE POINT OF VIEW
- The resurfacing also reduced the high level of asphalt roughness Sepang
was noted for, helping make a softer tyre choice possible.
- With the new asphalt now being a year old, the ageing process may have
given it different characteristics to last year.
- The new asphalt also means that the camber and lines of some corners are
now faster than in the past.
- Malaysia’s tropical weather makes use of the wet weather tyres quite
likely.
- When it’s dry, track temperatures are high, leading to thermal
degradation. At 59 degrees, last year was the highest track temperature seen
all season.
- Two stops won last year, but tactics were also influenced by virtual
safety cars. |
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MARIO ISOLA - HEAD OF CAR
RACING
“The Malaysian Grand Prix we saw last year was somewhat different to
previous seasons, thanks to its return to an autumn slot and the
comprehensive resurfacing work that took place in 2016. This also had the
result of improving drainage: an important aspect at a circuit where it can
rain so heavily and frequently. However, the characteristics of new asphalt
can change from one year to the next, so it will be interesting to see what
the effect of this is. This year we are bringing the softest selection of
tyres ever seen in Malaysia, which we expect to result in even faster lap
times, with the supersoft used there for the first time. Consequently, all
previous strategy calculations will have to be adjusted, making the work
done in free practice particularly important”.
WHAT’S NEW?
- Supersoft tyres come to Malaysia for the first time.
- Following all the work last year, there are no major modifications to
Sepang this year.
- Pirelli celebrated to more championships recently: Audi claimed its ninth
title with Pirelli on a Blancpain GT Series by winning the sprint
championship, while Italy’s Tamara Molinaro took the Ladies Trophy on the
European Rally Championship. |
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