Melbourne, Australia
Sepang, Malaysia
Shanghai, China
Sakhir, Bahrain
Montmelo, Spain
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Montreal, Canada
Silverstone, Great Britain
Nürburg, Germany
Budapest, Hungary
Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
Monza, Italy
Singapore
Yeongam, South Korea
Suzuka, Japan
New Delhi, India
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Austin, U.S.A.
Sao Paolo, Brazil
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24 March 2013 Sepang, Sepang International Circuit
And then there’s the fast double-right out the back; that’s a good place to see an F1 car at its most impressive.
The last hairpin is also good because you can see us braking from high speed and you can see the entrance to the pits.
There’s a great grandstand on the outside of Turns 1 and 2, which get pretty spicy at the start.
Turns 5 & 6: this left-right is sensational. A very fast change of direction, through which you find out just how good your car is.
Turn 9: traction is important as you power uphill out of one of the slowest corners on the track.
Turn 14: you need to get this corner right because it’s followed by a long straight. You want to get on the power as early as possible.
It never rains at Sepang, it pours. When it comes down, it’s usually impossible to keep the car on the track.
| 2012 winner | Fernando Alonso |
| Mark’s place | 4th |
| Race date | 24 Mar 2013 |
| Circuit name | Sepang International Circuit |
| No. of laps | 56 |
| Circuit length | 5.543 km |
| Race distance | 310.408 km |
| Lap record | 1:34.223 – JP Montoya (2004) |
Sepang is the first proper racetrack of the year. Its fast sweeps, long straights and big stops are more representative of the other circuits on the calendar than Melbourne, so if you’re quick in Malaysia it usually bodes well for the rest of the season.
This was the first Formula One track designed by Hermann Tilke and it’s one of his better ones. It’s very wide and there are several lines through some of the corners, so overtaking is possible.
Aerodynamically, the circuit is a good test for the cars because you need a good balance through some of the fast changes of direction.
The circuit is a real test for the drivers because this is a very hot grand prix. With Melbourne the weekend before, there isn’t the opportunity to arrive a long time in advance to acclimatise, so I arrive as late as possible. That’s what I’ve done in recent years and it’s worked well.
Bernie loves a late start and, once again, the race has a late kick-off at 4pm local time. Late afternoon is usually when the rain comes in Malaysia, and when it comes you know about it! It’s something to be wary of.
I finished fourth last year and will be hoping to get back on the podium this time.
AS A MATTER OF FACT…
- Prior to last year’s race at Sepang Mark paid a visit to Turn 11, scene of MotoGP ace Marco Simoncelli’s fatal accident in 2011. He laid a Red Bull Racing cap alongside the barrier as a mark of respect.
- Mark’s first Formula One car, the Minardi PS02, was launched in Kuala Lumpur on 22 February 2002. The team stopped off in the city en route to the season-opener in Melbourne.
- Mark’s first team-mate in F1 was Malaysian Alex Yoong.
- Mark scored his first front row qualifying position at Sepang, in 2004. He qualified second, behind pole-sitter Michael Schumacher, but retired from the race. In 2010 he started the race from pole position.
- Sepang was the first F1 track to be designed by Hermann Tilke. “It’s a good track,” says Mark. “Perhaps Hermann should have stopped there…”
- Who can forget the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix, when a downpour stopped the race after 31 laps? Mark finished sixth.
Comments
Janet
POSTED March 27th, 2013
Vettal showed what a precocious spoilt pratt he is. Thank God he is not my child. Mark showed himself yet again the consumate professional and upstanding person that he is. A great race, the history records will always be wrong, Mark won in my book.
flosch
POSTED March 27th, 2013
RBR No. 2 aka Webber: remember Silverstone…
Wylie
POSTED March 25th, 2013
Hey Stevie, the fact that you came all the way onto Mark’s personal website to spew such tasteless and pathetic drivel really shows your true character and how little class you have, which is about as much as your obvious hero who drives the other Red Bull!
To Mark, superb racing yesterday and best of luck in China!
mark
POSTED March 25th, 2013
Congrat’s on your effort yesterday.
Seb is in Seb’s world and will do anything at all cost’s.
Almost like Schumacher was when he was world champion.
It was good to see the Aussie spirit when you did’nt hold back with the after race chat aswell.
Maybe Vettel should go to the mercedes team as they listened to there team boss.
Good luck in China stay focused and make your car as wide as a house if sv is near you.Take Him Out.
Stevie
POSTED March 25th, 2013
You will never win the championship. There’s no doubt, that SV is the better one. – In racing and in character……..
You’re nothing else than a skunk.
*** SITE MANAGER*** Oh dear! There’s no accounting for taste or class!
Roger
POSTED March 24th, 2013
Mark, You were fantastic today and the real winner of the GP in Malaysia. Your team-mate aka team-no-mate owes you big time from past events and stealing other wins such as crashing into you. Never mind today the unsporting character now believes his own press. His actions were disgraceful and dangerous and many are disgusted with him and have re-evaluated his success as being at your expense. Keep being the gentleman and true sportsman you are. You are a real Champ.
Regards
Roger
UK
Susan
POSTED March 24th, 2013
Hats off to you Mark!! Once again you are the true gentleman. YOU WON TODAY!!! We are with you 100%
Steven.Z
POSTED March 24th, 2013
what the hell was Vettel thinking; the guy is a total d***. He has no regard for driver safety or the team. He was told to maintain his position and all he cared about was the win. Mark you deserve a better team mate. Good luck for china..
phillip
POSTED March 24th, 2013
hi mark good luck for malaysian grand prix and hope your car dosnt play up agen
Dina A.
POSTED March 24th, 2013
MARK, BE THE COOLEST GUY IN THE ‘HOTTEST’ RACE…
BEST OF LUCK !!!
genesi5
POSTED March 23rd, 2013
Mark, Good Luck at the Malaysian GP. Hope, you’ll get the cup in this year.
JACK CAIRNS
POSTED March 23rd, 2013
GO GETTUM MARK – THE J.C.s ARE WATCHING YOU FROM SYDNEY
Petra
POSTED March 22nd, 2013
Hi Mark,wish you a mega smooth race weekend at Sepang .After all that crap last week you deserve a place on the podium.
Cheers from China
clinton
POSTED March 21st, 2013
lets bounce back after the adversities last week mark…. unlucky with the ecu glitch at the start, or formation lap, because you were strong throughout the weekend otherwise… overdue for champaign… lets own this weekend webber…!
Jill and Brian
POSTED March 19th, 2013
All the best Mark, hope they have got your problems sorted. You can do it champ. x
Haylie Megs and Matt
POSTED March 09th, 2013
Mark – were coming to cheer you on in Malaysia ! See you there 
Guzzi
POSTED March 26th, 2012
Hi mark
Jacks getting marreid
Kivy
POSTED March 25th, 2012
good race Mark – well done
stephanie
POSTED March 25th, 2012
hey mark you are really good my fav i love you so much good luck with all your races especially Malaysia i send my respects to the guy that died 
keep going you can do it lets see you win i will be cheering for you!! ive never being to a grand prix race i would love to go
Mike
POSTED March 25th, 2012
Go get em mark with some true Aussie grit!!! You do us all proud!
Dina A.
POSTED March 25th, 2012
I would love to see your tweet Nr.1000 :
Mark Webber @AussieGrit
“Yeah, it feels great to be back at the top step, as there were some quick guys around.. so I’m very happy..”
GOOD LUCK CHAMP!!!
P.S. Mark Webber what a mega character! (yes, it’s very hard to believe that SIC isn’t there..)
Angela
POSTED March 23rd, 2012
Mark, this year you can win Malaysian grand prix.. Good luck from Spain
mark
POSTED March 23rd, 2012
mark you can take the pole & the race
good luck
Mark
POSTED March 23rd, 2012
mark you can take the pole & the race Good luck
I believe in you
Petra
POSTED March 22nd, 2012
Hi Mark,
have a great weekend in Sepang with a rocket start on Sunday. Good luck!
Cheers from China
huwaida
POSTED March 21st, 2012
welcome to malaysia n very best of luck to u mark 
Petra
POSTED March 21st, 2012
Mark, is your turn this time. Good Luck!
Andrei
POSTED March 21st, 2012
Hey Mark….Sic motivates me to do my best in my racing (Formula Vee) he was a awesome racer….let’s dedicate this Malaysian GP to SuperSic….get on that podium!!!
Scott
POSTED March 20th, 2012
Good luck Mark, this is your year and I’ll be cheering you from the couch as always!
!!!MARK WEBBER NO.1!!!
Andrea
POSTED March 20th, 2012
You’re a really sensitive guy, that makes you so very special to me (talk about your heavy heart because of Marco)!!!
Nevertheless I wish you a wonderful weekend in Malaysia above all however a successful and satisfying one for you that you’re able to bring home the victory this time you’d deserve so much. Please take good care of you! Hugs
mat vendittelli
POSTED March 20th, 2012
Good luck mate and hopefully you nail your start let the rest taste your rubber
Suzanne
POSTED March 20th, 2012
Very best of luck to you. Be safe x x x
Gene Onegin
POSTED March 20th, 2012
It’s your turn, Mark! Looking forward to seeing you on the podium!
Andrew
POSTED March 20th, 2012
Hopefully the KERS doesn’t give you any grief in qualifying again. Let’s take this one out Mark!
Neil
POSTED March 20th, 2012
You are a top bloke Mark. I still can’t believe that Marco won’t be in the moto gp this year.
I hope you have a successful weekend racing.
Martijn Roes
POSTED March 20th, 2012
Go for it Mark!
You deserve it, show Vettel and the rest of the field the back of youre car!
Emma Blore
POSTED March 20th, 2012
Good Luck Mark! Will be rooting for you!
DinaA.
POSTED April 10th, 2011
You can do it Mark!
WIN – WIN – WIN !!!
Law
POSTED April 07th, 2011
Go for it, Champ.
Robyn and Peter Maslen
POSTED April 07th, 2011
Go for it Mark. Hope yoiu get the car sorted so you can lead from teh start.
Josh
POSTED April 05th, 2011
Mark, hope the car is tip top this weekend so you can give it your best.
Tas & Effi
POSTED April 04th, 2011
My sister and I were at turn 1 (Brabham stand) in Melbourne and watched the race from there supporting you through the race.
Hope the team get to the bottom of the issue with the car’s lack of pace relative to Seb.
Good luck in Malaysia, we’ll be watching and supporting you to get on the top step this time round!
Go for it!
Andrea
POSTED April 04th, 2011
Good luck for Malaysia Mark!!! Show Vettel and Red Bull that you’re the best. The changing weather conditions will surly not be your enemy you’re able to manage rain or heat only a bad working car could stop you!! But you’ll get your champagne in Sepang without a doubt !!!
Tony Callander
POSTED April 04th, 2011
Good preparation and a good mind set and you overcome all. this will be the first of many this year.
dean bustard
POSTED April 03rd, 2011
Mark good luck next weekend go forward from here you have the ability to be a world champion
Petra
POSTED April 03rd, 2011
… I’m sorry.. I meant of course “champagne”
Petra
POSTED April 03rd, 2011
Good luck Mark! You CAN get champaign. Keep going!
Stewart Graham
POSTED April 02nd, 2011
Good luck Mark for the Malaysian Grand Prix go get em mate
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‘ HOT ‘ RACE – ‘ICE-AGE‘ END
SAD & ANGRY
.. so much anger was (and still is..) in me… but I’m SO, SO, SO PROUD OF THE TRUE CHAMP !!!
ONE OF THE BEST MOMENTS OF THE RACE:
THE PRIDE IN YOUR DAD’S EYES DURING THE HONEST BUT STILL PROFESSIONAL PODIUM INTERVIEW…
YES, MR. WEBBER YOU CAN BE REALLY, REALLY PROUD OF YOUR SON !!! HE IS SUCH A TOP BLOKE, JUST AMAZING !!
GOOD LUCK FOR THE NEXT RACE!!