Force India duo prep for last visit to 'special and cool' Sepang

©ForceIndia

For different reasons, Force India's Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon are both big fans of the Malaysia GP which will see its last running in Sepang next weekend.

Malaysia appeared on the F1 calendar in 1999 for the very first time, and from the outset, the race was a favourite among the drivers.

The event holds a special place in Sergio Perez's memory who achieved a milestone result in Sepang in 2012, when he was driving for Sauber.

"Malaysia is a place that means a lot to me. It’s where I got my first ever podium in Formula 1, in 2012," says the Mexican.

"After Singapore, it’s another very hot race. I think last year’s was the hottest race I’ve ever experienced during my whole career, so I expect to sweat a lot on Sunday!

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"The weather is so unpredictable, you can have a big storm all of a sudden and then it can dry up again in five minutes, because it’s so warm and humid.

"Every year, Malaysia has been a special race because of the heat and the characteristics of the track. I’ll be really sad to see Sepang disappear from the calendar.

"I hope to see all the Malaysian fans at some other race and I hope they keep following us online."

Team mate Esteban Ocon raced in Malaysia for the first time last, with Manor, but it only took a few laps for him to be conquered by the track's demanding layout.

"Sepang is such a beautiful track, I really love it," says Force India's pink panther.

"I enjoy chicanes and there are quite a few in Malaysia, with some nice combinations of fast and medium-speed corners. When you have a good car in qualifying, you can just feel the grip; it’s very enjoyable.

"On the other hand, it’s a very tough race because of the heat and humidity. The rain can play a big part – at least I am told!

"Last year everyone kept telling me that, but it was just mega sunny and warm all weekend. It’s sad we will be racing here for the last time because it’s such a cool track. I am going to miss it."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.