F1 Malaysian GP
Tony Annesar, readabet.com
An in-depth Betting Preview of the Malaysian GP
View Betting Verdict
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2002-03-09
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Grand Prix Preview |
One of the newest events on the calendar, the magnificent Sepang circuit boasts some of the best facilities of any racetrack in the world, all from a country with next to no motorsport. Technically the track is challenging with long straights joined with a mix of slow and fast corners. Many teams struggle to get the car balanced throughout the lap where aerodynamics and mechanical grip contribute equally to handling.
Melbourne revealed much about the relative speed of the 2002 cars, and with the next two GP’s being ‘overseas’ the teams will not have the chance to significantly alter their machines for these races and hence expect the same teams and drivers to do the winning in during this period.
It would seem Ferrari still has the best car with their updated 2001 spec chassis which looked simply sublime in the fast sections of Albert Park circuit. Undoubtedly Ferrari where flattered by the performance of the Bridgestone tyres, but in reality the whole car looked magnificent, with the only question mark being over the top speeds attained in race trim. The new Williams and Mclaren appear to be fairly evenly matched with the Mclaren looking slightly unstable mid corner, probably a result of the teams relative inexperience with the Michelin rubber whilst the Williams appeared to be lacking the outright pace required to challenge the Ferraris.
Of the rest Sauber again impressed during qualifying, in particular new boy Fellippe Massa showed a surprising turn of pace. Renault look to be in good shape for the season as well. Jordan and BAR had a weekend to forget with the predicted lack of power from the Honda engines they share all too obvious. Arrows frankly embarrassed themselves with both cars failing to get off the line. Jaguar scored three points with Eddie Irvine but it was definitely a case of being in the right place at the right time, Irvine is too good a driver to throw away a points scoring opportunity but he was the first to admit the teams good fortune. Minardi scored their first points in two seasons and Toyota claimed a point on their F1 debut, once again both teams were flattered by circumstance after the horrific start line accident decimated the field.
Unseasonably cold ground temperatures disadvantaged the Michelin runners in Australia; a repeat of this situation is unlikely in Malaysia where the conditions tend to either be very hot or monsoon. This should translate to a reduced gap between Ferrari and the two chasing teams Williams and Mclaren. With everyone eager to prevent Michael Schumacher getting another runaway start to the season the pressure will be on his competitors to get in there early on and prove they can take him on. |
| Betting Information |
1pt Ralph Schumacher to take Pole at 8/1
1pt Heifeld to finish GP on the Podium at 12/1
The engine power of the Williams BMW package combined with the outright pace of the Michelin tyres in the predicted hot conditions should allow one of the two Williams drivers to secure the pole. For me Ralf gets the nod because he will be determined to make good for his mistakes in Australia.
With the dominance of the Ferrari car and Michael Schumachers’ record at this circuit a win for the German seems likely. The Williams cars should perform well here due to the power advantage they enjoy over Mclaren. Expect a Sauber to spring a surprise here, the combination of Ferrari engines, two excellent drivers and crucially Bridgestone tyres (especially if it dries) could be the surprise package (odds of 12/1 for a Heidfeld podium could pay off on Sunday). |
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