Track characteristics are different between the two venues, as it is believed the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), which Red Bull did not use last weekend, will have a much greater impact on the cars' performances as it did at Albert Park. And considering McLaren are benefiting from probably the best KERS unit in the paddock, Ham looks optimistic ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix.
“Albert Park is a great track, but a circuit like Sepang is where the differences between the cars will start to become clearer,” said Hamilton, who finished the race in Melbourne in 2nd place, after previously scoring the second best lap time in qualifying.
“I'm really looking forward to using KERS Hybrid and the DRS too - the rapid change of direction you experience when the car is really in the groove is phenomenal around here, and I think both systems will make the cars look sensational, especially in qualifying.”
With several voices in the paddock hinting that Red Bull, despite their dominant performance in Melbourne, are yet to show their true pace on track, McLaren's Martin Whitmarsh admitted his first goal is to close the gap on the reigning world champions as much as possible.
“We don't think Melbourne showed us the best of our competitors' pace, so that only makes us more motivated to bring as much performance to the table as possible,” he added.
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