After an eventful race in Azerbaijan noticed George Russell narrowly beat Max Verstappen, Method 1 strikes straight onto the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. However how a lot are you aware in regards to the Sepang Worldwide Circuit? F1.com has your all-in-one information…
When was Malaysia’s first Grand Prix?
After it was determined that the Bahrain Grand Prix wouldn’t happen in its authentic calendar slot in April, Malaysia stepped as much as host the occasion, shifting it to the primary weekend of October.
It’ll mark the primary Grand Prix on the Sepang Worldwide Circuit since 2017, however the nation’s hyperlinks with F1 return to the Nineties, when then-Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad set about constructing a first-rate motorsport venue.
As soon as famend designer Hermann Tilke had deliberate the format, building started in 1997, with the inaugural race going down in 1999. It was gained by Ferrari’s Eddie Irvine and established Sepang as a quick and difficult observe, setting a precedent for different purpose-built circuits.
What’s the circuit wish to drive?
Solely 10 drivers on the present grid have competed in Malaysia earlier than – that was almost a decade in the past, so whereas they’ll have a bonus over their youthful opponents, it’s possible that there’ll be a steep studying curve for everybody.
Jolyon Palmer, former Renault F1 driver, defined: “Sepang is a brilliantly flowing lap, with a quick center sector splintering massive braking zones with loads of switchback alternative.
“Flip 1 is extraordinarily large and it’s vital to assault the brakes earlier than getting again to hug a late apex to get properly out of the tighter Flip 2 and up the next curved straight.
“The center sector is all about high-speed stability and stream. A dedicated entry is required on the entry for the extremely high-speed run by way of 5 earlier than choosing your change of path completely into 6 because the observe drops away barely. That is the best velocity cornering part on the circuit. Flip 7 is a bit slower and straightforward to run large on the exit earlier than the ultimate a part of that sequence which needs to be an acceleration zone if executed proper.
“Braking for each Turns 11 and 14 are tough and all about really feel as you’re coaxing the automotive by way of proper hand bends on method, particularly for 14 the place it’s simple to lock the fitting entrance. Once more, the exit of this nook is important, main into the ultimate massive stamp on the brakes and an overtaking probability on the last flip.”
If the format doesn’t sound demanding sufficient, Sepang can also be identified for its unpredictable climate – excessive humidity, excessive warmth and sudden downpours have all impacted races up to now.
The place are the Straight Mode zones and overtake detection?
As a reminder, and as defined in our pre-season abstract of regulation adjustments, Straight Mode is a unique aerodynamic configuration that enables vehicles to cut back their drag, making them extra environment friendly when accelerating up in the direction of high velocity.
The rear wing continues to open up a niche – identical to it did when drivers used DRS (the Drag Discount System) up to now – however now the entrance wing additionally strikes. The uppermost entrance wing parts drop down on the similar time the rear wing’s high aspect does.
This can be a mode that’s used on each single lap in dry circumstances, in each space that’s designated for it. Basically, the automotive will adapt between two totally different configurations relying on the place it’s on the observe, offering most downforce in corners however then much less drag on straights.
In Malaysia, there are 4 designated Straight Mode zones, starting with a run alongside the beginning/end straight, then between Turns 3 and 4, between Turns 8 and 9, and at last between Turns 14 and 15.
In the meantime, Overtake Mode replaces DRS and is a brand new energy mode that enables a driver to recharge extra electrical vitality, and generate an extra electrical energy profile, to allow them to maintain a better velocity for an extended interval.
There’s one detection level per lap for this mode – anticipated to be out of the ultimate nook on many events, main onto a protracted straight – and will probably be obtainable to drivers on the next lap so long as they keep inside a second of the automotive in entrance at that detection level.
The Overtake Detection marker on the Sepang Worldwide Circuit comes as drivers exit Flip 15, whereas the Overtake Activation line follows at first of the beginning/end straight.
