Sepang: An engineers view

1. REAR WING

Downforce levels are very similar to the levels in Melbourne.

2. BRAKES

There are four pretty heavy braking zones – into turn one, in to turn four, into turn 14, and then into turn 15. High temperatures are not such a threat as there are long straights between the braking events to cool the brakes.

3. SUSPENSION

Sepang requires a good all round car. There are high speed straights. There are very high speed speed change of direction in turns five and six. There are some reasonable traction events with some very low speed tight double hairpin at turn one and turn two. There are no high kerbs so the car can be ran with a lower ride height than otherwise – giving better overall downforce.

4. TYRES

Pirelli’s soft and hard tyres, meaning a greater gap between compounds than in Albert Park (where soft and medium were used). The track is very demanding on the tyres due to its aggressive surface, heavy braking areas, long straights and wide variety of speeds and corners.

5. FRONT WING

The threat of understeer is not as prevalent as in Albert Park so we can run with slightly less front wing.

6. ENGINE

Malaysia sits to the upper end of the ‘power tracks’ with 60% of the lap spent at full throttle, but the main challenge is preparing the engine’s cooling systems to cope with the intense heat and humidity. Ambient temperatures can reach over 40°C so engine cooling becomes crucial. The RS27’s cooling system is refined at dynos back at Viry-Châtillon, where climatic conditions can be recreated including running with 100% humidity and 40°C heat.

Sepang: An Engineers View – Alan Permane, Trackside Operations Director

The track surface is very abrasive, particularly in comparison to Albert Park, which is very smooth.

High speed stability is an essential requirement of the tyre in Malaysia due to the circuit layout, which contains some long straights and quick direction changes.

TURNS 1 + 2

Good engine tractability required through turns 1 and 2, the second of which leads to a high speed section so a good exit is needed.

TURN 3

Strong stability from the tyres is required through the high speed corner to aid driver confidence.

TURN 4

Heavy braking here

TURNS 5 + 6

These high speed turns require stiff suspension. The car can be run lower and stiffer as there are no high kerbs in Sepang which is beneficial for this.

TURN 7

Turning whilst braking means this corner can prove punishing for the tyres.

TURN 15

Heavy braking from a long straight into the final corner, which is followed by another long straight, means a good overtaking opportunity, and a variety of lines are taken here.

START / FINISH STRAIGHT

The KERS is more effective for qualifying in Sepang because of the where the start-finish line is as you get two bites of the cherry with the KERS usage on the out lap. Heavy braking at the end of the start / finish straight. The brakes have cooled along the straight so should not overheat. A good overtaking location.