2016 Malaysian Grand Prix track preview

2016 Malaysian Grand Prix

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The home of the Malaysian Grand Prix has had an overhaul for 2016 – you can compare the major changes here.

However the basic layout of the circuit remains unchanged. And the oppressive conditions – stifling heat and humidity – will be only too familiar, particularly as the previous round in Singapore was similarly punishing.

Track data: Sepang International Circuit

Lap length5.543km (3.444 miles)
Grand prix distance310.408km (192.879 miles)
Lap record (race)1’34.223 (Juan Pablo Montoya, 2004)
Fastest lap (any session)1’32.582 (Fernando Alonso, 2005, qualifying one)
Tyre compoundsSee drivers’ choices
2015 Rate the Race8.37 out of 10
2015 Driver of the WeekendSebastian Vettel

Sepang International Circuit track data in full

“It feels strange to be going to Sepang at the end of the season,” says Nico Hulkenberg. “It’s one of the hottest events of the year and the temperatures make it quite tough on tyre degradation.”

“The tyres will be important here, managing them throughout the race is crucial and it’s an area we really concentrate on understanding with the engineers.”

The specific demands on the tyres will be altered by the complete resurfacing of the track. The new asphalt is noticeably darker than the old and, as was the case at the Red Bull Ring earlier this year, that could mean higher track temperatures. Last year these peaked at 61C during the race, so it’s probably for the best that Pirelli have nominated their hardest compounds.

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A lap of the Sepang International Circuit

Romain Grosjean describes the opening switchback corners as being “very similar to China” – another Herman Tilke circuit. “Long right-hand side corner, then a left hairpin. You need good traction.”

Sepang has been fully resurfaced for 2016
The second major braking point of the lap occurs at turn four, another useful overtaking opportunity. From there the drivers tackle two quick corners in succession – shades of Shanghai again. The turn five/six sequence was almost flat-out previously, and might be tackled without a lift now the driver has more assistance from the gradient. In the race this is one of several corners where drivers must proceed with caution to avoid over-taxing their tyres.

A moderately quick pair of right-handers follow which require only “a small brake” according to Grosjean. “It’s a mid-speed corner with very tricky traction going through to the next turn, another left-hand side hairpin.” This is turn nine.

Next the drivers accelerate through a sweeping, tightening right-hander. “The right corner is very long,” says Grosjean. “It’s quite good fun when the car is well balanced.”

“You then have a bit of straight line going to turns 12 and 13. Flat-out left corner, big braking, with g-forces from taking the corner.” Again tyre preservation is vital here during long race stints.

The final corner has the most significant alterations, with an off-camber gradient on the inside designed to force drivers away from the previous racing line. How great an effect these subtle changes will have on the action will be a point of interest this weekend.

2016 Malaysian Grand Prix

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Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

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2 comments on “2016 Malaysian Grand Prix track preview”

  1. I’m curious to see what the gaps are in Malaysia this year.
    If I’m correct it used to have the field closer together than on other circuits.
    Let’s see if this changes with the race back in the later stages of the season.

  2. This track reminds me a lot of Shanghai, hoping for the action to be similarly punchy throughout the midfield but concerned the new asphalt will prove too much of a hindrance to the drivers really pushing.

    I expect DRS complaints to be in full force after this weekend as the two long zones will likely provide good opportunity as opposed to punishing the tyres elsewhere.

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