04-01-2009, 03:01 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Malaysia rain threat worrying drivers
Quote:
There are clouds over Sepang, and it is likely there will be more this weekend as Malaysia suffers a particularly heavy spell of constant rain. Malaysia is prone to rainfall, particularly later in the afternoon, which could lead to high drama with this year's 'twilight' race starting at 5pm local time.
Both Australia and Malaysia switched the starting times of their Grands Prix for 2009, to encourage greater live TV audiences from Europe. With the low sun bothering drivers in Australia, there could be a distinct lack of it this weekend as the Kuala Lumpur region is set for yet more rain. The 2001 event remains the worst effected to date with rain arriving on only the second lap, which caused early race chaos.
"It was difficult with the low sunlight in Australia, especially as it flickered and changed through the cover of the trees," explained Williams driver Kazuki Nakajima. We won't have that type of shadow at Sepang, but there is the possibility of reduced light conditions mixed with the likelihood of rain, so these late race start times will have a bearing on my approach to qualifying and the race."
Team-mate Nico Rosberg is equally worried towards how mother nature could have greater control over proceedings that race director Charlie Whiting. "In Melbourne I found the late start time a big concern becuase, towards the end of the race, the visibility was very poor," Rosberg recalled. "It increased the danger in my view, as making mistakes became more likely; I'd rather the race changed back to its original start time or became a proper night race - that would improve matters a lot."
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Source: Formula One news: Malaysia rain threat worrying drivers - GPUpdate.net Formula One
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