The first back-to-back Grand Prix of the 2010 Formula One season takes place at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia this weekend; tyre supplier Bridgestone will be taking 2,000 hard, soft and intermediate compound Potenzas. The company’s director of Motorsport Tyre Development, Hirohide Hamashima believes the circuit, with two long straights leading into tight, slow speed corners which require heavy braking, will be putting high energy levels through the tyres. In addition to the range of corners and the circuit’s general layout the hot weather will also provide a harsh test for the drivers’ management of their tyres. There is also a poetically cyclical aspect to Bridgestone’s visit; “much of our natural rubber comes from this region,” states Bridgestone Motorsport director, Hiroshi Yasukawa.

Yasukawa continues: “Last year we had a very exciting Malaysian Grand Prix because of the weather, and this was a good event for us to showcase our full weather range of Bridgestone Potenza tyres… This year also marks the 10th Anniversary of Bridgestone in Malaysia and our colleagues will be marking the occasion with a series of events in the build up to the Malaysia Grand Prix. Furthermore, there will be particular interest in the race for Malaysians this year as they have their own team for the first time with Lotus Racing.” 

Refocusing on the tyres, Hamashima says: “Drivers will have to be careful not to lock their brakes, especially when they have heavy fuel loads and cool tyres in the early laps. The section between turns seven and eleven is very important at this track as they give a very good illustration of a good overall car set-up. Being strong here is crucial for a good performance at Sepang. High temperatures are usually a factor in Malaysia and this could mean more tyre degradation than we’ve seen so far this year, particularly given the severity of the track. Last year illustrated that you never know what to expect in Malaysia.”

Jenson Button claimed pole position in 2009, with a time of 1min 35.181secs, while the British champion also achieved the fastest race lap, securing the top position on the podium. Following two frustrating races to start the season, where technical difficulties robbed him of almost certain victory, Tyres & Accessories tips Sebastian Vettel to prevail this year.