Threats of rain in Sepang worry the drivers

Clouds appeared over Sepang today, and it is likely that this will also be the case this weekend.

In general, these are particularly heavy rains that fall on Malaysia in the late afternoon during this period.

These late afternoon rain forecasts could disrupt the race, but what worries the paddock the most is the twilight, as the race will start this year at 5:00 p.m. local time.

Australia and Malaysia have both changed the start time of their Grand Prix for 2009, allowing for better television viewership in European countries.

During the Melbourne Grand Prix, the position of the sun disturbed the drivers.

This weekend in Kuala Lumpur, there might be additional visibility issues with rain showers if the forecasts prove accurate.

The Malaysian Grand Prix in 2001 was the worst, as rain had appeared from the second lap, causing chaos among the drivers.

« The low light in Australia made the race difficult, especially when the light flickered between the trees. We won’t have this type of shadow in Sepang, but it’s likely that the lighting conditions will be reduced due to probable rain showers. Given the start time of the race, my approach to qualifying as well as the race will be completely different, » explained Williams driver Kazuki Nakajima.

Nico Rosberg is also concerned about the decisions of race director Charlie Whiting if conditions were to worsen.

« In Melbourne, I found the departure time a bit late and very concerning because towards the end of the race, visibility was very poor, » recalled Rosberg.

« This, in my opinion, increased the risk of making mistakes. As for me, I would have changed the departure time or imposed a night race, thus reducing many questions and problems. »