F1: Resurfaced Sepang will be more challenging

The 16th round of Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix at the newly resurfaced 5.54km Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this weekend, is expected to be more challenging and exciting than the previous editions.

SIC, well-known for its unpredictable results, would be more incalculable as the race teams and Italian tyre manufacturer, Pirelli do not have the race data to compare when the SIC hosts the first ever F1 race after the RM15 million repairing and upgrading works between February and March this year.

With Mercedes duo Nico Rosberg (273 points) and Lewis Hamilton (265 points) heading close in the championship battle after 15 races, the result after the 310.408km distance will be crucial to decide the world champion in the remaining five races after Sepang (21 races in total).

SIC CEO, Datuk Razlan Razali said although the race teams and Pirelli were informed about the resurfacing two months ahead, the level of tyre degradation could not been predicted.

"No one knows how much degradation of new tires will happen after a certain number of laps when it comes to the new asphalt as this is the only resurfaced track in F1 calendar this season.

"The composition of the asphalt is specially formulated to withstand the climate and weather of Malaysia, so it is different from other circuits around of the world," he told reporters after the media track session and introduction of new facilities in conjunction with the weekend's race.

The track will be used for the first time ever for motorsports event on Thursday, after the Michelin MotoGP tyre test in early July and World Superbike Championship (WSBK) in May, when the free practice sessions of F1 supporting races, namely GP2 and GP3 series as well as touring car races begin.

Razlan said besides the resurfaced track, weather, heat, humidity and tropical rain are capable of changing the race environment to be more exciting for the fans and challenging for the drivers.

When asked about the track drying and water seeping issues after the upgrading works, Razlan said both the consultant and contractor are working on the ratification works.

"A few technical problems were identified, especially in the turn Nine...We are monitoring the situation on day by day basis and so far the water patched are gradually decreasing," he said.

The International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Federation International Motorcycle (FIM) in May had inspected and endorsed the circuit to organise high profile races like the F1, World Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) and WSBK.

Besides that, Razlan said SIC had also invested about RM19 million to build two facilities, namely permanent Paddock Chalets replacing the temporary chalets at the main pit area and South Paddock to give hospitality to the teams.

"The 18 pit garages in the double story South Paddock will be used for GP2 and GP3 series, other home grown races and other private events like car launches," he said. -- Bernama