There are contrasting moods in the Sepang paddock. The ITV-F1 crew look bewildered to have lost Formula 1 to the Beeb in 2009, while the BBC Radio 5 Live gang are understandably elated, and it’s a similar story at Ferrari and McLaren.
The Scuderia are a bag of nerves, following their disastrous season-opener in Melbourne. Negative headlines around the world have put them under pressure and they haven’t reacted well. It’s hard to believe, I know, but they let Kimi Raikkonen run out of fuel during first practice at Sepang; next they’ll fill his F2008 with diesel.
All the while McLaren ooze confidence. Their cars are proving quick and efficient, and Ron Dennis – who hadn’t planned to be in Sepang – has decided to make the trip to Malaysia. He can smell the Prancing Horse’s blood and wants to help ram home his team’s advantage.
There’s a similar contrast between the teams’ lead drivers. Lewis Hamilton sat outside the McLaren hospitality area on Thursday afternoon, looking relaxed and chatting freely to the media. Despite the stifling 75 percent humidity, there wasn’t a bead of sweat on his forehead.
Kimi Raikkonen, on the other hand, looked dazed and confused. He sweated buckets outside Ferrari’s garage and when asked 10 questions, he started seven of his answers with ‘I don’t know’. Should such indecision translate into his driving, he will be as ineffective here as he was in Australia.
Despite all this, however, you can’t discount Ferrari. They under-performed in Melbourne and their F2008 is still the best car in F1. Just. Sepang’s long corners and ‘non-slip’ asphalt reward aerodynamic efficiency and traction, and none is superior to the Ferrari in either department.
Sunday’s 56-lap race will be a fascinating contest between F1’s two top teams. Ferrari should win it on pace, McLaren on merit.