Round 3: Malaysia - Sepang International Circuit (22Apr17)

[jeromef1]

 
Sponsor this circuit for only $2.95 USD
 
[circuit_3][/circuit_3]​

[ul]
[li]Qualifying start at 7.30pm (UK time) - followed by the race[/li]
[li]Lobby host is Macca[/li]
[/ul]
Pre-race Interview :

1. In 2018 the Malaysian GP is no more, what are your thoughts ?

2.The Mercedes are quicker than the Ferraris in quali but fail to win, any chance for Ferrari to improve quali pace or Mercedes improve in the race?

3. For our Bahrain GP the predictions about high tyre wear became a harsh reality for some with punctures, Is the Sepang Circuit easier on the tyres?

Questions created by xMikexSI

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[Smithy]

1. In 2018 the Malaysian GP is no more, what are your thoughts ?

Im not happy, i really enjoyed that track.

2.The Mercedes are quicker than the Ferraris in quali but fail to win, any chance for Ferrari to improve quali pace or Mercedes improve in the race?

Im sure mercedes will improve in race pace - they just need to sort out their bad tyre wear i think.

3. For our Bahrain GP the predictions about high tyre wear became a harsh reality for some with punctures, Is the Sepang Circuit easier on the tyres?

Technically no, because the tyres used at Sepang are harder (S,M,H) rather than the SS,S,M.
But in the race tyre wear is average, one stop isnt possible, not even for liam . Overall tyre wear shouldnt be an issue in my opinion.

 

[Macca]

1. In 2018 the Malaysian GP is no more, what are your thoughts?
Not fussed, good track not the best, provides decent racing but Malaysia not being on the calendar opens a spot up for another track 

2. The Mercedes are quicker than the Ferrari in quali but fail to win, any chance for Ferrari to improve quali pace or Mercedes improve in the race?
It will be easier for Mercedes to improve than Ferrari, Ferrari just don't have the extra engine mode that Mercedes have for quali. 

3. For our Bahrain GP the predications about tyre wear became a harsh reality for some with punctures, is the Sepang Circuit easier on the tyres?
Bahrain wasn't as bad as I was expecting for myself. As for Malaysia not expecting it to be as bad for others but hard to say as I missed both the pre-season and league race last season.

 

[RacingAtHome]

Pre-race Interview :

1. In 2018 the Malaysian GP is no more, what are your thoughts ?
It's a shame. Liked the circuit despite never having won there or any other notable results.

2.The Mercedes are quicker than the Ferraris in quali but fail to win, any chance for Ferrari to improve quali pace or Mercedes improve in the race?
I think it's more a case of unfortunate strategy for the way Ferrari were able to win those races but their race pace is as good as Mercedes. In Australia, Vettel jumped Hamilton by Hamilton being held up by Verstappen. And Bahrain was a case of a mixup in the pitlane maybe would have given the opportunity to Hamilton in order to win the race.

3. For our Bahrain GP the predictions about high tyre wear became a harsh reality for some with punctures, Is the Sepang Circuit easier on the tyres?
No chance. Bahrain is about destroying the rears in the traction zones. Sepang is about destroying the fronts on the long sweeping corners. Fortunately, Ruth Buscombe was good enough to not give me a puncture and gave a miracle 6th place instead.

 

[KillerBlue195]

1. Good. It's never produced a classic race in the dry. The chance of rain is the only thing I'll miss
2. Mercedes definitely seem to struggle next to the Ferrari in the race. I can't see anyone matching Mercedes in qualifying but I think Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull will all be level on race pace by the middle of the season
3. I think it's about the same. It's still an awkward two stop

 

[XxCarrexX06]

1. In 2018 the Malaysian GP is no more, what are your thoughts ?

I don't mind. I prefer other tracks like Imola, Magny Cours and Istambul (will be in) that there aren't in the calendar.

2.The Mercedes are quicker than the Ferraris in quali but fail to win, any chance for Ferrari to improve quali pace or Mercedes improve in the race?

Let Hamilton do the job, Bottas is still slow.

3. For our Bahrain GP the predictions about high tyre wear became a harsh reality for some with punctures, Is the Sepang Circuit easier on the tyres?

No, I think Sepang will be hard to save tyres too.