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The unexpectedly hot Australian Grand Prix is likely to make the test that follows in Malaysia quite interesting. The teams are now headed to one of the hottest weekends of the year, where long straights will require the engines to work hard, putting real stress on the cooling systems.
This means that the nine cars that completed the race in Australia have to consider the longevity of their gearboxes and engines, which may need more looking after on their second hot race, perhaps offering a significant race day advantage to rivals.
Alongside straights that challenge the aerodynamic efficiency of the cars, tight corner sequences will ask for mechanical grip and the medium speed corners require balance: this is circuit is highly technical and rewards a fundamentally sound package, including the driver (until the heat and humidity gets to them), as the wide track permits some leeway for them to work their way around minor weaknesses.
