Heavy Rain to Hit 2010 Malaysian GP

This week's Formula One Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit might once again be affected by rain. And we're not talking some slight drizzle here, but heavy, torrential downpours, as the weather forecast for this weekend is not at all encouraging for the teams.

Although many believed that last year's Malaysian Grand Prix was a one-off in terms of racing under heavy rain, it now seems such weather conditions are becoming regular. One good decision taken by the organizers as compared to last year has been to move the race earlier in the day, in order to avoid a repeat of last season's shortened race.

Consequently, the Sunday race will start at 4 PM local time, not 5 PM as in 2009. This was obviously a compromise between the Malaysian organizers and the chief executive of Formula One Bernie Ecclestone, who wanted the TV audience in Europe not to be too affected by the change in race start hour.

“This climate is the greatest challenge for the teams, cars and drivers,” put it quite eloquently Mercedes Benz' motorsport director Norbert Haug, ahead of this weekend's race. According to local media, afternoon rains have become quite often in recent days, which is what the F1 teams should base their strategies on this Sunday.

As far as Bridgestone is concerned, the Japanese tire manufacturer admitted that the characteristics of the Sepang track will likely lead to a more increased level of tire wear – as compared to the first 2 rounds of 2010 – but everything could change dramatically in case rain will make its way to the Sepang circuit region.

“Last year illustrated that you never know what to expect in Malaysia,” said Bridgestone's Director of Motorsport Tire Development, Hirohide Hamashima.