Malaysian GP preview

In the closest race for the championship Formula One has seen for a decade.

McLaren driver Mika Hakkinen leads the championship with 62 points, but Ferrari's Eddie Irvine is just two points behind.

Jordan's Heinz-Harald Frentzen has been a revelation this season.

After winning at Magny Cours and Monza, and taking podium places at four other races, the German lies just 12 points adrift of Hakkinen.

Scot David Coulthard trails 14 points behind his team-mate, and could yet put in a surprise result.

Team orders permitting, he could take the championship, or snatch second place in the drivers' standings from Irvine.

Hakkinen is the only contender who can secure this year's world championship at the Sepang.

The Finn is hoping to bag his second consecutive world championship with the Woking-based team.

The return of Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher is designed to help Irvine's cause, and he could yet scupper Hakkinen's plans.

Despite reports of his speed at Ferrari's track at Fiorano in testing last week, how competitive the German will actually turn out to be remains to be seen.

Team boss Eddie Jordan has already stated that his team is feeling no pressure, and has nothing to lose this weekend.

But, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who lies third in the Championship will be keen to cement the place, and a good performance could put him up to second place ahead of Irvine.

However, this weekend's race could produce a few surprises.

The track is making its inaugural appearance on the grand prix schedule, which means no teams have had the opportunity to test on the 5.542km circuit.

Sepang is a high-speed circuit, which will require a high level of downforce and good grip.

Most teams are expected to run on soft tyres. However, some could opt to use a harder compound and one-stop during the 56-lap event.

Straight line speed will also be an important factor in the race.

Two long 800m straights should enable drivers to overtake going into the following turns.

And, with Malaysia entering its rainy season, the chances of a wet race are thought to be high.