Sepang sizzler
No other race tests the physical fitness of the modern-day Formula 1 driver like this weekend’s Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix. The 5.5km Sepang International Circuit plays host to one of the most gruelling events on the calendar – with temperatures averaging more than 30°C and humidity of around 70%. During a typical 90-minute Malaysia GP, a driver’s heart rate can reach as high as 170bpm. He will also burn up to 1,500 calories and lose around three litres of sweat.
FORCE India driver Sergio Perez has a soft spot for the Petronas Malaysia Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The Mexico-born Perez and twotime world champion Fernando Alonso are the only two drivers on the existing grid who earned their first podium at the Sepang International Circuit.
Alonso achieved his first podium back in 2003 – after finishing third while driving for Renault.
Perez bagged his first podium when he finished second for Sauber in the 2012 edition, which saw Alonso winning for Ferrari.
Perez, who moved to Force India in 2014, went on to score six more podium finishes that year, but he still cherishes his first podium at the Malaysian track, where he is expecting another tough battle.
“Malaysia is a place that means a lot to me. It’s where I got my first-ever podium in Formula One – in 2012.
“After Singapore ( two weeks ago), it’s another very hot race. I think last year was the hottest race I’ve ever experienced in my whole career. I expect to sweat a lot on Sunday.
“The weather is so unpredictable.
“You can have a big storm all of a sudden and then it can dry up again in five minutes because it’s so warm and humid.
“Every year, Malaysia has been a special race because of the heat and the characteristics of the track.
“I will be really sad to see Sepang disappear from the calendar.
“I hope to see all the Malaysian fans at some other races and I hope they keep following us online,” said the 27-year-old Perez, who is now seventh in the overall standings with 68 points.
The Force India driver also recently showed his caring side when he donated an initial 3mil pesos (about RM715,000) to victims of the recent earthquake in his country.
Mexico City was hit by a strong earthquake a week ago, claiming more than 300 lives.
Perez also formed an alliance with Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim’s foundation, which will see donations to the Force India driver’s personal foundation matched five fold.
“I’m deeply concerned about what my country is going through. It’s time to be united,” he said.