Sepang tough on newcomers?

Sepang is a tough nut to crack, that's the verdict of the 'newcomers', or at least some of them, following practice today for the Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix.

Christian Klien was probably the 'rookie of the race' in Melbourne two weeks ago, however he admitted that he has found it difficult to learn this latest venue.

"I spent most of this morning working on circuit familiarisation and it is quite a hard track," reflected the Red Bull backed Austrian, "There are some fast corners and I was doing my best to stay out of the gravel.

"This afternoon I spent more time working on tyres so I can discuss my option for the rest of the weekend. The conditions here are very hot and even with my training in Langkawi this is certainly more intense than Melbourne."

The Jaguar driver was not the only one to find the hot humid conditions a problem.

Jordan test driver, Timo Glock also felt that it was an issue.

"It is unbelievably hot," he said.

BAR third driver Anthony Davidson however was taking it more in his stride, and while he has competed in two events [with Minardi in 2002], this is his first time in Malaysia.

"I've really enjoyed my first taste of the Sepang circuit," he noted, "despite these being the hottest conditions I've ever competed in. It's one of the most technical tracks on the calendar but I got to grips with it pretty quickly. It's a lot of fun to drive with some great late apex corners."