The Sepang circuit provided a healthy dose of drama ahead of Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix, in a qualifying round that saw wet weather challenging teams and drivers until the checkered flag in Q3.
Fighting on the intermediate tires, Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel edged out the competition for pole position on a tricky final qualifying lap with a time of 1:49.674. Ferrari’s Felipe Massa will start second (+0.913), followed by teammate Fernando Alonso (+1.053) and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, who appeared to have the pole but was beaten by 2.025 seconds as drivers took advantage of the drying conditions.
Force India’s Adrian Sutil continued to impress, as he took the fastest time in Q1 ahead of Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) and Nico Rosberg (Mercedes). In just his second race since returning from a year-long absence, the German qualified in ninth place. His teammate Paul Di Resta was qualified 15th after getting caught in the wet conditions and spinning out with minutes to go in Q2.
Australian race winner Raikkonen meanwhile will start seventh, behind Rosberg (sixth) and Red Bull’s Mark Webber (fifth).
Behind Raikkonen, the McLaren car continues to struggle, with Jenson Button qualifying eighth and a distant 3.501 seconds back. Prior to the race weekend, the Woking-based squad stated its commitment to the 2013 car despite its obvious lack of pace, and are hoping this weekend will provide some much needed information. Button’s teammate Sergio Perez rounded out the top ten, 4.462 seconds back.
The 5.543 kilometre Sepang circuit should provide a challenge for the new Pirelli rubber. Teams are equipped with the medium and hard compounds to tackle the high speeds and long, sweeping corners and quick transitions.
Track temperatures will also play a key role in race strategy. Not only have teams struggled to fully understand the performance and consistency characteristics of the Pirellis, but a Renault official (engine supplier to Red Bull, Lotus, Williams and Caterham) said that its engines have struggled by as much as 15 bhp at times due to high temperatures and moisture conditions.
Photos: Steven Tee and Charles Coates / LAT Photographic
