Chief Technical Officer of Williams Martini Racing, Paddy Lowe has talked about the challenges that Malaysia’s temperamental weather poses, comparing it to Singapore’s climate in terms of extremity.
Singapore threw a new challenge at the grid two weeks ago, a sudden downpour concluded in Formula 1‘s first ever wet night race, with Williams failing to take full advantage of an abrasive race due to questionable tyre choices, a mishap that ended up with the team taking just four points into the Malaysian round.
“Malaysia, with Singapore, is an equally extreme circuit in terms of ambient temperatures, and has even more potential for thunderstorms and rain arriving from nowhere than we saw in Singapore last weekend.” Lowe remarked.
With recent weather forecasts predicting a predominantly wet weekend, those words may ring true, the threat of rain marginally dulling the usually sapping heat.
Heat plays a big part in Lowe’s memories of the venue, alongside the many great races held at the Sepang International Circuit over the years.
“I remember being on the grid in Malaysia with the heat so great that my feet were burning through my shoes!” said Lowe.
“The Malaysians are very enthusiastic for the sport, and the circuit has delivered some very exciting races over the years.”
Lowe echoed Williams pair Felipe Massa and Lance Stroll’s visions in making the most of the nineteenth and final race – for now – at the venue.
Additionally, the former Mercedes supremo expressed his confidence in Williams’s ability to secure a promising result, saying the circuit plays to the team’s main strengths, in comparison to the lower speed Singapore layout.
“It’s a great shame that this is the last time that Formula One will be racing at Sepang International Circuit for the foreseeable future, so we are determined to make the most of it,” said Lowe.
“It’s a well-rounded track giving credit to power, downforce and driver skill. So it is one where Williams hope to perform more strongly than we were able to do in Singapore.”
