The heat is on

It is no idle boast by the promoters of Formula One’s annual visit to Malaysia when they bill the grand prix as the ‘The Hottest Race on Earth.’ Just ask the mechanics working in track temperatures that can top 50° C at the Sepang circuit, let alone the drivers who try all sorts of methods to keep themselves cool in the cockpit.

Operating in conditions above the general norm in F1 provides a unique test to man, machine and Bridgestone’s Potenza tyres - so any chance to test at the track has to be taken.

That’s why instead of heading back to Europe or the beaches of Langkawi and Phuket after the opening race in Australia, 10 of the 11 teams went straight to Kuala Lumpur for an extended four days of crucial testing ahead of the grand prix this weekend

“Any chance to test at a place where you are going to be racing is important,” explained Kees van de Grint, Bridgestone Motorsport’s Head of Track Engineering Operations, who has been overseeing the test.

“But it is even more important at a circuit like Sepang which the teams do not normally test on. It has been extremely hot during the test, with temperatures of forty eight degrees on the track. And the forecast is the same for the race.

“So of course it is important for us to test the tyres to see how they respond to the conditions. But for the teams, also, it gives them a chance to test for all sorts of other issues, like cooling for example.

“All the teams have been using the hard and medium compound tyres they will be racing with and we have been very satisfied with the results so far even though the track is very green. But that will have improved for the race.”

The race in Malaysia will be only Bridgestone’s second as sole tyre supplier to F1 but van de Grint was pleased with the feedback from teams following the Grand Prix in Melbourne.

He added; “I don’t think it was appreciated just how big a logistical problem it can be supplying all 11 teams. In Melbourne, we fitted more than 1800 tyres and we did not have one single problem.”

“We have had a very positive response from the team bosses since Melbourne and from our point of view we were very happy. We achieved what we wanted and it was only our first race supplying two dry tyre specifications.

“Of course, there is room for improvement and that is what we are looking to do. As the sole tyre supplier we see our role as supplying a safe, consistent tyre to all eleven teams.”

“We do not want to influence the outcome of the race. The last thing I want is to wake up on a Monday morning and read that a certain driver lost the race because he had a problem with his last set of tyres.”