Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Sepang heat sets big challenge for drivers

This weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix is likely to provide the biggest test of physical fitness and endurance on the Formula 1 calendar

Coming as it does at the beginning of the year, most drivers are in top physical condition after intensive winter training programmes without the interruption of race weekends. On the flip side of the coin, however, the lack of racing for four months means that muscles that are only used driving a racing car are weaker than later on in the season. Although sophisticated training programmes can compensate, they cannot eliminate the factor altogether.

"Malaysia is the hardest race of the whole year," said Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello. "In my first race here in '99, with Stewart, I was drinking water for the first half of the race and the water ran out with 20 laps to go. It was a nightmare. I could see the desert and strange things in front of me!

"You have to drink the whole time and really concentrate on the body by taking in fluids all day long. But as a Brazilian I'm lucky - it's hot there too, so I've been able to train in the hot weather so my body won't suffer so much. I enjoy the situation because when you're physically prepared you don't suffer as much."

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Malaysian GP to Go Ahead Despite War
Next article Journalists Skip Malaysian GP over Health Concerns

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe