Malaysian Grand Prix
The second race of the Formula One season is a popular one with fans and driver’s alike, featuring a new state-of-the-art circuit that boasts long high-speed straights, and tight twisting complexes, but with a wide track to encourage overtaking.
Since joining the F1 season in 1999, the Malaysian Grand Prix has always been held on the Sepang circuit and has established itself as an important date on the racing calendar. Until recently it was Asia’s only F1 date and is held just outside Kuala Lumpur, near the airport. In 2001 the Malaysian GP was moved from late in the season to become the second race on the calendar. Usually held in mid March under intense tropical heat, this Grand Prix has a reputation as F1’s hottest race and has dished up some exciting results.
The debut race will always be remembered for a controversial Ferrari disqualification. A disagreement about the size of the Ferrari’s bargeboards - in apparent contravention of the rules - led to the disqualification of Eddie Irvine and Michael Schumacher who had finished first and second. The points were eventually reinstated after an FIA hearing, just before the final race of that year.
In 2003 Kimi Räikkönen won comfortably in the McLaren-Mercedes, seven seconds ahead of Rubens Barrichello. Fernando Alonso also stepped onto the podium but it was to be a miserable start to the season for Michael Schumacher who limped in in sixth position, having failed to make an impact in Australia three weeks earlier. The race served up no major action, with few collisions and an uneventful start. Twelve cars eventually finished.
Other previous winners have been Ralph Schumacher, scoring a Williams-BMW one-two in 2002 with Juan Pablo Montoya, Michael Schumacher in 2001 and 2002, and Mika Hakkinen in 1999 (later handed to Michael Schumacher, pending a hearing).