It is likely get even better this weekend. Button’s Brawn GP machine was labelled “nearly unreachable” by Renault’s Fernando Alonso earlier this week and the two-time world champion believes the only hope for other teams is if the sport’s governing body, the FIA, uphold an appeal against Brawn’s diffuser when their Court of Appeal convenes on April. His optimism is likely to be unfounded.
“The championship could be more or less decided in Paris,” Alonso said. “If the diffusers are legal, the Brawns are going to be nearly unreachable for any other team.”
The Sepang International Circuit, just outside the capital of Kuala Lumpur, is well known for its searing heat with temperatures routinely hitting the mid-30s.But it’s not the heat which will worry Brawn, it’s the prospect of rain.
Button has admitted that this was his major concern.
“Malaysia has a really hot and humid climate which really tests the car’s durability and coupled with the frequent torrential downpours can make for an unpredictable race weekend,” he said. “It’s a tough place for the drivers as the heat in the cockpit can be unbearable and tests the limit of your fitness and concentration.”
“But Malaysia is a special circuit for me as I achieved my first podium here back in 2004 so I’m hoping that this weekend will provide some more happy memories! ” Unfortunately for Button, the forecast is for heavy showers all weekend, which would be guaranteed to spice things up.
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