[nipcarlover]

The 2nd race of the 2014 season is upon us, and it is at the Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lampur. It will be interesting to see the reliability of these new engines in the heat and humidity of this track.

FACTS:
Circuit: Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lumpur
Circuit length: 5.543 km
Number of corners: 15 (5 left, 10 right)
DRS zones: 2
Race laps: 56
Race distance: 310.408 km
2014 tyre compounds: Hard, Medium
Circuit lap record: 1m 34.223s - Juan Pablo Montoya (2004), Williams-BMW

TIMINGS(IST):

Friday 28th March 2014:
Practice 1: 07:30 AM-09:00 AM
Practice 2: 11:30 AM-01:00 PM

Saturday 29th March 2014:
Practice 3: 10:30 AM-11:30 AM
Qualifying:01:30 PM-02:30 PM

Sunday 30th March 2014:
Race: 01:30 AM-03:30 PM

[Fullrevs]

I think Mercedes have enough pace in reserve to dominate this track like they did at Albert Park a fortnight ago.

Its the best of the rest and it will be interesting to see Williams, Mclaren and RBR fight it out. If RBR are on top of their issues it will be interesting to see if Daniel Ricciardo's pace in Australia was genuine or not. Add Seb Vettel to the equation and it could really add to some fun racing.

I see a Ferrari resurgence only from Europe. They have gone conservative again...like they have for many years now. Extremely disappointing for us fans.

First test for the 1.6 turbo's to run at such high temperatures and for such long distances at full throttle. Add some rain and it could be a real a treat to watch.

[PVS]

I will mostly be there at Sepang on Saturday 29th March and Sunday 30th March, to watch the qualifying and final races; it's going to be the first ever F1 race live for me!

[zenren]

Here is an aerial view of the track.



Weather forecast indicates rain on all days. Hoping for a full wet race to see a level playing field.

[Fullrevs]

Originally Posted by PVS

I will mostly be there at Sepang on Saturday 29th March and Sunday 30th March, to watch the qualifying and final races; it's going to be the first ever F1 race live for me!

Congratulations! Looking forward to hearing your reactions on the sounds of the cars. Wish you had heard the V8 soundtrack so you could properly compare.

[arun_kun]

I am attending Malaysian GP this weekend. I am driving from Singapore to KL. I have tickets for K1 main grandstand at the turn1. Hope we have cracker of a race. Rooting for KIMI's win, tough less probable.

Originally Posted by PVS

I will mostly be there at Sepang on Saturday 29th March and Sunday 30th March, to watch the qualifying and final races; it's going to be the first ever F1 race live for me!

I am attending too. Which stand tickets you have?

[zenren]

Originally Posted by arun_kun

Rooting for KIMI's win, tough less probable.

He'll not be allowed to race Alonso. So he'll need to qualify higher for a chance to win.

Given the rain forecast, this is probably Ferrari's best chance to minimize the damage on points tally before they get to Europe.

[nipcarlover]

Originally Posted by zenren

He'll not be allowed to race Alonso. So he'll need to qualify higher for a chance to win.

Given the rain forecast, this is probably Ferrari's best chance to minimize the damage on points tally before they get to Europe.

While I agree that he probably won't be allowed to race Alonso, I don't think Kimi is like Massa, and he won't probably care and will just race Alonso.

[arun_kun]

Originally Posted by zenren

He'll not be allowed to race Alonso. So he'll need to qualify higher for a chance to win.

Given the rain forecast, this is probably Ferrari's best chance to minimize the damage on points tally before they get to Europe.

I am not sure, do not want to fuel the conspiracy theories but would like if he could put up a better show. If Ferrari does order him to move away like they did with Massa, than we all know what he will say, "Leave me Alone, I know what I am doing". It would be fun

[Hatari]

Originally Posted by zenren

He'll not be allowed to race Alonso. So he'll need to qualify higher for a chance to win.

Given the rain forecast, this is probably Ferrari's best chance to minimize the damage on points tally before they get to Europe.

Originally Posted by nipcarlover

While I agree that he probably won't be allowed to race Alonso, I don't think Kimi is like Massa, and he won't probably care and will just race Alonso.

Why wont he be allowed to race Alonso!!? The whole point of getting Kimi onboard is so they have 2 strong drivers collecting points!!
This is not the end of the season where the Driver's Championship is on the line.

He can try though, but he's clearly not got the car suited to his driving style to be as quick yet.

[Shanky_Cobra]

Well, i would agree with FullRevs here, the Mercedes cars do look very strong and i feel either Nico or Lewis will surely take pole on Saturday.
PVS, please do post some pics if possible.

I am a big Ferrari fan and i think the fire (Fernando) and ice (Kimi) combination will work well for the team as both drivers are highly talented and matured.
I would like to see them win! But the Ferrari just isn't as fast as the Mercedes or Williams!
I am eagerly waiting for tomorrow's FP1 and FP2!

[PVS]

Originally Posted by arun_kun

I am attending too. Which stand tickets you have?

Well, I have the HillStand tickets, which I believe, are the farthest from the scene of action. Nevertheless, I probably will be there on Saturday(for the qualifiers) as well, so that gives me a chance to capture the drivers and the pitstop crews from close quarters through my camera. The ticket is valid for 3 days I believe, Friday thru Sunday.

Planning to stay back after the Sunday race, for the after-race concert by Calvin Harris.

[deetjohn]

Watching FP1 now, the rear end of the cars are all over the place. It wont be good for lap time or race but is fun watching.

Edit:

Lotus looks to be in real trouble.

Got a nice pic of the track layout with all details from JA on F1

[zenren]

Here is the FP1 results. All drivers are struggling for grip and it should be interesting if the grip levels don't improve much till qualifying.

Good to see Kimi near the top, though it was just a matter of everyone struggling for grip and coming down to the level of struggle that Kimi was having all through this season. May be he had the advantage of being accustomed to lack of grip than others

[sgiitk]

I think the engines will take a few races to show their true colours.