2017 Malaysia Grand Prix - Sepang, 29 September-01 October

[Fulcrum]

Well, once...

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/10/ ... 200254.jpg

He hasn't been particularly lucky at either circuit, this being a notable example.

True, forgot he was punted out and crashed while leading in Brazil, I think by Hulkenberg.

Correct. He also had the gearbox issue in 2007. 2008 did pan out in his favour though, so he's had some good experiences to balance out the negatives.

Only 1 win at either circuit though. Considering he's raced at both circuits every year, only 2 wins from 20 starts, well below his general performance.

[GrandAxe]

I predict that Grosjean will spin.

On a more serious note, the shorter wheel base Red Bull and Ferrari could really challenge Mercedes with the number of tight corners here.

[Vasconia]

I'm unhappy that this is our last year in Malaysia. The circuit is really good.

True, I forgot that. Its really a pity, we have enjoyed very good races here. Its a shame. Why happens this? I thought it was a successful race.

[GPR-A duplicate2]

I'm unhappy that this is our last year in Malaysia. The circuit is really good.

True, I forgot that. Its really a pity, we have enjoyed very good races here. Its a shame. Why happens this? I thought it was a successful race.

Bernie kept ripping them with exorbitant fees and like most other venues that chose to go off F1, Sepang promoters (& malaysian government) terminated their deal too. One can still hope that, with new owners, who are trying to bring as many circuits as possible, Sepang might return in future. This is a real racing circuit that offers great spectacle and overtaking opportunities. Losing it and having lethargic venues like Albert Park, Monaco and Hungary makes no sense from a racing spectacle standpoint.

[dren]

This should be a Mercedes 1-2, but then again, look at what happened in Singapore and Ferrari...

I forgot Mclaren had a double points here last year. Maybe a repeat this year?

[Sevach]

I think this track is too close to call.

[TAG]

I think this track is too close to call.

And that's a good thing!

[Bill_Kar]

It's kinda like Silverstone but with more straights and a little bit less zig zags. It should be OK for Mercedes

[JonoNic]

I thought with Vettel's huge mistake in the last race would now give him the underdog tag. Yet many are hoping for a Mercedes dominant race and more misery for Vettel. Won't that make it a boring championship for the rest of the season?

[Phil]

Well, apparently, Mercedes *feel* (according to AMuS) that the last 3 tracks could go Ferrari's way... so, I'm all for utter Mercedes domination at those tracks that suit the Mercedes car, hopefully. 28 points or not, it's gonna be close IMO. And there's still a bit of a question mark what Ferrari may be able to get when they bring out their Spec 4. Of course, there's also the point about their turbo situation.... either way, this was a heck of a F1 season so far.

[TAG]

Ferrari/Vettel is in a must win situation for Singapore. Not just must win but a Ferrari 1-2. Hamilton having won three straight is the first repeat winning driver. If he wins in Malaysia even if Vettel finishes a strong 2nd now you're 35 points behind. with 5 races to go.

Suzuka is going to be a lot like Silverstone, I doubt that anyone will have an answer for Mercedes there, again 7 points for Hamilton.

The US GP is a track that no only suits Mercedes, it suits Hamilton having won four races at COTA, if he does once again win there that's an additional 7 points added to the gap.

That would be a tally of 6 races in a row for Mercedes and Hamilton... if they win in Malaysia. Obviously a track suiting a team and a team actually winning there are not one in the same. Singapore painfully illustrated that fact. But it can't help to go into a circuit knowing you'll be on the back foot, and both Suzuka and Austin, that's where Ferrari will find itself.

If Malaysia doesn't go the Ferrari way, then it's a Mercedes... actually who are we kidding the WCC is done. It's a Hamilton championship to lose. Ferrari will need more than one Hamilton DNF because relying on the last three races to be able to challenge, will simply not be enough.

This will be the deciding race for the season IMO.

[NathanOlder]

My expectation of who'll be faster where:

https://i.imgur.com/hFgbrLs.png

To me, this is a pretty clearly Mercedes track.

I'd give 7&8 to Ferrari as well.

Why? Its 1 long high speed turn

[DVB]

Hamilton can choose to crash in a race and he'll still be in the lead for the driver championship... I think it's gonna be very difficult for Vettel!

[godlameroso]

My expectation of who'll be faster where:

https://i.imgur.com/hFgbrLs.png

To me, this is a pretty clearly Mercedes track.

I'd give 7&8 to Ferrari as well.

Why? Its 1 long high speed turn

It's 2 medium speed corners, where you have to carry speed, and need good traction on exit, much like the vast majority of corners around here.

[TAG]

I'd give 7&8 to Ferrari as well.

Ferrari first need to get past turn one...