Hamilton: Conditions will be toughest yet

Temperatures at Sepang are expected to be in the 30s, with over 90% humidity, and Hamilton is expecting it to be the biggest test of fitness the drivers will face in 2008, even more so than last weekend's race in Melbourne.

"Malaysia is a tough race and it's likely to be hotter again so it will be a big challenge," he said. "It was the hardest race I've ever competed in last year, you can't begin to imagine how hot it gets in the car."

Like most of the drivers, Hamilton arrived in the country early this week to start preparing for the conditions.

"It's very difficult to prepare physically for the race, and even more so this year. Last season we had a couple of weeks off before the race so we were able to go to a hot country and train there to get acclimatised, but this year it's straight after Melbourne which only gives us a couple of days to get used to the heat. But we've had a bit of a head start with the temperatures in Australia.

"The focus is on making sure you're well hyrated. Last year I was drinking up to four litres a day in the build up to the race. My focus in the early part of this week is just training and acclimatising, and adjusting to the time difference, making sure we're eating at the right times."

He believes the difficult conditions will make the race even more entertaining than last week's season opener.

"Sepang is a fantastic track to start with, but the climate plays a major role in making it very tricky for all of us. Everyone is really on the limit and so is the car.

"It was one of the best races of the season for the team last year. We had a great car and great pace, and the race with both Kimi and Felipe was good fun. Hopefully the race will be as entertaining again this year."