14 March: Malaysian Grand Prix Preview - Red Bull Racing
After a strong showing in the
first round of the season in Melbourne, Australia, where both its drivers finished in the points, Red Bull Racing tackles the second
grand prix of the year, in the knowledge that the Sepang Circuit, to the south of Kuala Lumpur always provides one of the toughest
challenges on the calendar.
David Coulthard “They say you’re only as good as your last race, so although the
Melbourne result was a great morale booster, we now have to start all over again in a race that will be a much tougher proposition.
Since Australia, I’ve been training hard in hot weather for what is one of the most physically demanding races of the season,
while discovering it’s hard to get a tan through a beard! I’ve finished second and third at Sepang in the past. That will be
hard to match, but I will be trying my best to bring home some more points.”
Christian Klien “I reckon Sepang is
the hardest race of the year as the track itself is very difficult and the heat and humidity make it even more of a challenge. It
will be very tough on the cars too, but having raced here for the first time last year, at least I know what to expect. Despite the
conditions, I enjoy driving this track as it is wide enough to create plenty of passing opportunities. After an unusual, but
encouraging weekend in Melbourne, I think this race will give us a clearer picture of where we stand compared to the other teams.”
Christian
Horner, Sporting Director: “Melbourne was a fantastic debut race for Red Bull Racing. While our result in first qualifying
was fortuitous due to the weather, it’s fair to say that our performance throughout the free practice sessions was very strong and
that was backed up by David and Christian’s pace in the race. Both drivers’ confidence is now high and we will be looking to
build on that this weekend, while remaining realistic about our prospects. However, Malaysia throws up a whole new challenge. The
circuit is technically difficult and added to the usual demands on the package is the fact that our engines will be tackling their
second consecutive race, giving us a first opportunity to assess the impact of the new technical regulations.”
Günther
Steiner, Technical Director: “The main challenge of the Sepang circuit comes from the very high temperatures. But we are
well prepared for it. We have run many simulation programmes in the wind tunnel to optimise cooling as the engine has to go the
distance, having already completed the Australian GP weekend. Our priority is therefore not to overheat the engine, while
maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. We are confident we can achieve that and make the engine go the distance. Winter testing
obviously took place in much cooler weather, but, on the test bed, we can simulate the conditions we will encounter in terms of
cooling engine, gearbox, hydraulics and brakes. Tyre degradation can be a problem here, but I am confident that Michelin has done
its homework. Melbourne was easy on the tyres, so after Malaysia I expect we will have a clearer idea of how to manage the new
situation of making one set last for qualifying and the whole race.”
