Mark Webber - Photo Credit: Clive Mason/Getty Images
Red Bull Racing are expecting the Sepang circuit to provide a stern test for their RB8 machine but are confident they will be up to the task.
World Champion Sebastian Vettel recovered from a difficult qualifying session to take second in Australia although he couldn't match race winner Jenson Button. Vettel thinks getting the best set-up compromise will make the difference this weekend as he looks to take the fight to the McLarens.
“The Malaysia Circuit is actually more difficult than it seems. It has big run off areas and a broad track, meaning it appears easy, but it’s not. The heat, high humidity and weather aren't the only challenges, as the main thing is to find the ideal car set up. There are two straights of almost one kilometre, but you also need a lot of wing on the car to create enough downforce for the corners, so it requires skill to find the right compromise. It's good to go there off the back of Australia and I hope we get another strong result.”
Teammate Mark Webber finished fourth in his home grand prix, his best ever start to an F1 season, and the Australian is looking forward to visiting one of his favourite Grand Prix venues.
“Malaysia is obviously very, very hot, so the track temperature is very hard on the tyres, which needs managing. The track is beautiful to drive on; you really get to feel the sensation of a Formula One car, particularly in the middle sector. It's a great venue and, as a track, it has different demands to the Melbourne circuit, so that's something we'll be looking to get on top of very quickly.”
