Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
5.543km/3.444miles
FP1
Weather: Hot and humid
Air & track temperatures: 29-32°C/39-50°C
V. Bottas: FW36-03, PU106B Hybrid 1:41.882 (8th)
F. Massa: FW36-02, PU106B Hybrid 1:42.103 (11th)
Quickest Time: N. Rosberg 1:40.124
FP2
Weather: Hot and humid
Air & track temperatures: 33-35°C/57-61°C
V. Bottas: FW36-03, PU106B Hybrid 1:40.450 (5th)
F. Massa: FW36-02, PU106B Hybrid 1:40.560 (6th)
Quickest Time: L. Hamilton 1:39.790
Objectives: Set-up work, aero evaluations and tyre work
Rob Smedley, Head of Performance Engineering: It was a really busy day for us with plenty of experiments with the chassis and the power unit. We have made good progress in these areas both on low and high fuel. We have plenty to look at to be prepared for tomorrow. The cooling is so important as the temperatures are very high, but we have done a great job on this so we feel prepared.
Valtteri Bottas: The changes we have made to my driving position have been positive and it was nice to be able to drive without any pain. I am confident for the rest of the weekend that I won’t be troubled by my back. The track in the morning was really dirty with a lot of dust which will change throughout the weekend and the second session was very hot. The short runs were good but the car had some damage to a rear brake duct in the long runs so it is hard to give any accurate feedback.
Felipe Massa: It has been quite a difficult day. The tyres have suffered a lot in the conditions and the degradation is high, but it is the same for everyone. The aim is to close the gap to the people in front. There is time for this but we will study the data carefully to make sure we can get the best out of the car.
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