Round two of the 2015 season takes place at the a Sepang International Circuit approximately 60 km south of the capital Kuala Lumpur. The track which hosted Formula One’s first race in Asia in October 1999 has become famous for its weather patterns which have caused some disruption in the past.
But like last season the country is still coming to terms with the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines fight MH370 which is believed to be at the bottom of the southern Indian Ocean. Also the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines plane MH17 over Eastern Ukraine. Also days after the crash of German Wings fight 4U 9525 – from Barcelona to Duesseldorf on Tuesday which means many teams have paid respects to the victims of the crash.
This year’s start has been changed after the crash of Jules Bianchi in Japan last season due to the low light levels when the rain moved in. The circuit has a mix of sweeping corners and long straights which provides some brilliant overtaking opportunities.
Facts and figures
Race | 2015 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix |
Venue | Sepang International Circuit |
Circuit Lengths | 5.543 km (3.444 mi) |
Laps | 56 |
Race Distance | 310.408 km (192.878 mi) |
Lap Record | 1:34.223 (Juan Pablo Montoya, Williams, 2004) |
Most wins drivers | John MacDonald (4) |
Most wins manufacture | Ferrari (6) |
Classics
2013- Mutli 21 order. Sebastian Vettel refuses order to not to pass his team-mate overtaking Mark Webber. Going on to win against an order from his team to hold position. While Lewis Hamilton retaining third place in front of Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg obeying orders.
2009- Jenson Button wins a wet action packed race which latest just under an hour after before being abandoned as it got too dark
2001- Poor weather condition sends the champion Michael Shumcher and team-mate Rubens Barrichello spinning off almost simultaneously at the same corner.