With Heikki Kovailanen in 15th position and Jarno Trulli at 17th position, the team has proven that it is a strong contender among its peers, newcomers Virgin and Hispania Racing Team (HRT).

 

As Formula One veteran Trulli and Kovalainen each has a Grand Prix victory under their belt, the Lotus Racing Team is definitely a team to watch out for.  But, as ESPN Star Sports veteran race commentator Steve Slater said, ‘there are no bad drivers in the Formula One championship’.

 

Qualifying for the Formula One requires high levels of fitness, skills, dedication and efficiency among others.

 

“It takes a lot of work to qualify for the F1 race. Suffice to say that the drivers who qualify for the Formula One race are the best drivers in the world. Those on the podium are the best of the best of the best,” said Slater during a recent interview with the Sepang International Circuit team.

 

This year’s race is definitely one of the most interesting ones in recent times. As Formula One legend, Michael Schumacher, returns to the circuit, fans of the Formula One championship will bear witness as four world racing champions; Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button battle for the championship title on the tracks.

The refueling ban imposed by the FIA would also bring an interesting aspect to the race this year, as it would mean that the drivers will have to familiarize themselves with their heavier and bigger machines.

The cars will have to accommodate a larger fuel tank, which would definitely affect its performance to a certain degree. They will also have to pay extra attention to the way they drive their cars to conserve their tires.  

 

But the 2010 Formula One World Championship offers a whole lot more for its fans.

 

“Basically, this year’s championship is a combination of three Grand Prix matches. The first match will be between the strong contenders; Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren. Then we have the runners-up; Williams, Renault, Force India, Sauber and Toro Rosso, great drivers and great teams. 

 

 

 

“In the third category we have the newcomers; Lotus, Virgin and Hispania. Lotus had designed their car so that they could study its performance. But they have a good team, and the best looking car. 

“Meanwhile, Virgin took more of a gamble with their car, as it is designed, built and tested entirely on computer technology, bypassing the F1 convention of using wind tunnels,” said Slater.

 

Virgin’s car, the VR-01, was designed by Nick Wirth, who had successfully designed American sports car racing using this cost-cutting, hi-tech method. Whether his creation would perform on the Formula One tracks remains to be seen as the aerodynamics of a car on the track is more complicated due to the turbulent air generated by the cars' exposed wheels.

 

As Slater predicted, Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) won the first round of the championship in Bahrain. 

 

“During the pre-season testing in Barcelona, Alonso was cool and calm, and the team was smooth. But I have to say that Nico Hulkenberg is one rookie driver to watch out for,” said Slater.

 

He said Hulkenberg a.k.a The Hulk from Team Williams managed to outpace his veteran team mate Rubens Barrichello and even Alonso during the pre-seasons testing in Bercelona.

 

For racing fans all over the world, the Sepang racing circuit is inarguably one of the best and most challenging tracks due to its shape. 

 

“The Sepang circuit has every type of corners, which includes hairpin bends and hilly parts of the track. The Sepang racetrack will engage all of the drivers’ skills and capability,” said Slater.

 

Adding the fact that the drivers will also have to test their machines in the tropical Malaysian weather, this makes the Sepang International Circuit one of the best circuit to catch the Formula One World Championship promises an intense, adrenalin-filled race.