Two weeks ago, we witnessed a wet Formula 1 race, for the first time in the night-racing circuit at Singapore. Now, the F1 circus is already at South East Asia’s hot zone for the weekend’s 2017 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix, which will take place on October 1.
The 5.543 km circuit will see the race covering a distance of 310.408 km over 56 laps. The lap record here is Juan Pablo’s 1:34.223 which has remained unbeaten since 2004.
For all in the Formula 1 realm, the Malaysia race will be a memorable one as it is the last the country will host, for some time at least. After 19 years, it has been announced that this year’s Grand Prix in Malaysia is to be the country’s last. The decision was taken jointly by Formula 1 and Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
Malaysia joined the F1 calendar in 1999, and both Formula 1 and SIC say they are determined to make this year’s event in October a fitting finale for the ground-breaking circuit. “It’s always sad to say goodbye to a member of the Formula 1 family,” commented Sean Bratches, managing director, commercial operations, Formula 1. “Over nearly two decades, the Malaysian Formula 1 fans have proven themselves to be some of the most passionate supporters of the sport.”
The Malaysian prime minister had said in a statement that his Cabinet had agreed to end the contract for hosting F1 from next year after considering lowering returns (declining sales) to the country compared to the cost of hosting the championships. Further, the title sponsor, Petronas has been hard hit in recent times by tumbling oil prices.
It may be recalled that the bulk of Kuala Lumpur’s development has occurred since it hosted the 1998 Commonwealth Games, in accordance with the government’s ‘Vision 2020’, which is for Malaysia to be a fully-developed country by 2020. The Sepang Circuit was developed, in keeping with that vision. It was built in 1998 and, so good were its facilities that it became the inspiration for all of Formula One’s subsequent new tracks.
“Malaysia is a fantastic place,” says FIA president Jean Todt, in the Formula 1 magazine. “I love spicy food, so when I'm in Kuala Lumpur, I go and visit one of the local restaurants in Petaling Street or Chinatown. I also like to have massages in one of the traditional spas, or go shopping near the Twin Towers.”
Ten drivers have claimed victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix, so far. There are single wins for inaugural race winner Eddie Irvine in 1999, Ralf Schumacher (2002), Giancarlo Fisichella (2006), Jenson Button (2009), Lewis Hamilton (2014) and Daniel Ricciardo (2016). Kimi Räikkonen doubled up with wins in 2003 and 2008, while there are three victories apiece for Michael Schumacher (2000-2001, 2004) and Fernando Alonso (2005, 2007, 2012). The most successful driver, though, is Sebastian Vettel, with four wins (2010-11, 2013 and 2015). The first three were with Red Bull and his most recent was his first career win with Ferrari. (Statistics source: Formula 1 magazine)
Drivers and Constructors championship standings so far:
Lewis Hamilton of Team Mercedes lead with 263 points followed by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel with 235 and Lewis’ team mate Valtteri Bottas with 212 points.
In the Constructors championship, Mercedes leads with 475 points, followed by Ferrari with 373 and Red Bull Racing Tag Heuer with 230. Force India Mercedes is in fourth position with 124 points.
