Drivers to face extensive track changes at Sepang

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The Sepang International Circuit will present itself to drivers clean as a whistle following an extensive renovation which include altered corners and a new track surface.

The changes came about as organisers decided to improve drainage at the often monsoon-drenched venue, as well as iron out bumps in several areas of the layout.

More than half of the corners have new kerbs while the camber at Turn Nine has been altered, and, most significantly, Turn 15 has been re-profiled to make it slower, in an effort to encourage overtaking.

Sepang Circuit CEO Razlan Razali believes the extent of the changes will definitely leave drivers with the impression of "coming to Sepang circuit for the first time."

The modifications required a visit from FIA race director Charlie Whiting for homologations purposes.

"In a number of locations the levels of the track have been re-profiled to make the corners flow better or to improve drainage," Writing wrote in his report.

"This is high quality work. The works carried out to the circuit appeared excellent. The general condition of the installations was first class."

Pirelli's Paul Hembery is taking a cautious approach to next weekend's race, as the resurfacing now provides an unknown to the manufacturer which will be bringing Soft, Medium and Hard tyres to Sepang.

"In terms of extreme conditions that provide a real test for the tyres, Malaysia is right up there with anything else we see all year," said Hembery, as he looked ahead to the event.

"[There are] extremely high temperatures as well as the high energy loadings through the fast corners. The big unknown for this year is the track surface, which is completely new.

"The weather can also change in an instant, turning the track into a monsoon. As a result of all that, Sepang tends to be quite a varied weekend where track evolution is hard to follow."

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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.