Piastri likens track to 'sandpaper' as F1 returns to Malaysia

Oscar Piastri believes tyre degradation will be a big factor in this weekend's F1 grand prix. ( Getty Images: LAT Images/Alex Pantling )

Formula 1 will be racing in Malaysia this weekend for the first time in nine years, with the Sepang circuit hosting the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix.

Oscar Piastri has described the surface as looking like "sandpaper", with tyre degradation expected to be a feature of the race.

The F1 Bahrain Grand Prix, held in Malaysia, will be raced on Sunday afternoon.

Formula 1 is heading back to Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit after a nine-year hiatus this weekend, with more than half the drivers on the grid unfamiliar with a track that is hosting the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix.

After making its first appearance on the calendar in 1999, Sepang has not hosted a Formula 1 race since 2017 after the Malaysian government said it could no longer justify the costs given the declining returns.

But it is making its F1 comeback after owners Liberty Media said it would host the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, relocating the race from Sakhir due to the Iran war and the situation in the Middle East.

The 5.543-km long circuit combines long straights with several high-speed corners, with this week's race set to be held over 56 laps.

本文の著作権はABC Australiaにあります。