Sepang, May 20, 2010: As the Sepang 1000KM (S1K) looms near, many teams have been taking advantage of the pre-practice session at the Sepang International Circuit.

The teams have been testing out the new tyres and their machines at the track to gauge their performance and prepare for the upcoming endurance race, to be held from June 3-5.

The paid practice session began on May 3 and ends on June 2, with practice sessions extended to 9pm on May 18, 19, 20, 21, 26 and 27, as well as June 1 and 2.

One of the teams which took advantage of the paid-practice session is the Red Bull all-girls team; Puteri Ayu Jasmin Abd Hamid, 27, Carmen Lim, 28, Noradzlianayati Abdul Radzak, 25,  Melline Jaini, 25, and their reserve driver Lee Hui Jing. The team has been taking advantage of the night practice session at the circuit to get themselves used to driving around the track at night.

“I’m always excited when it comes to training at Sepang Circuit. These few days is good especially for the new Rookies as they get to drive in heavy rain as well as when its dark. But I admit there’s a little hesitation as the fear is still there. But I guess the way to overcome the fear is by concentrating on your driving,” said Puteri Ayu Jasmin.

“I would say driving at night is not as bad as driving in the rain. It’s basically the same during the day. It’s just that we have to be extra cautious and our reflexes have to be faster. Therefore the safest way when driving during the night or when the track is wet is to remain calm,” said the general manager of an event management company.

Meanwhile, her Bruneian teammate, Melline found herself quite adept to driving under the moonlight.

“Surprisingly, I am more comfortable with it as I’m used to driving at night back in Brunei. But nonetheless, I need to be more alert and careful as the glare from the cars behind can be quite distracting,” she said. Noradzlianayati said the training session has been very productive for the team, and that the practice session have been going well.

“So far, the training is going really well for me. I’m more aware of my area of weaknesses and I’ve learned a lot especially from Puteri and Carmen as they are more experienced than me. I’m more determined everytime I hit the track to clock in better time and work on my turns!” she said.