RaceDay Rewind: Looking Back At The 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix
Heading into the 2016 edition of the Malaysian Grand Prix, we look back at one of the most memorable (and shortest) races at the Sepang circuit.
The three-race Asian swing that happens as Formula One closes out its 2016 schedule was not always constructed that way. Coming out of the streets of Singapore, the top racers on the planet head to the Sepang circuit in Malaysia. However, it was not too long ago that the Malaysian Grand Prix was held near the front of the calendar.
In 2009, the race from Sepang came as the second race of the world championship, following the opener in Australia. This was also the first year where the race had a late afternoon start in Malaysia, with aspirations to become the second-ever F1 night race. But Mother Nature had other plans for 2009.
Already the F1 world had been turned on its ear by the strong performance by the last team to receive a grid slot, Brawn GP. Resurrected out of the ashes of the former Honda team, the Ross Brawn-led organization took Jenson Button to victory to kick off the year. Could they continue that performance in the second grand prix, or would the series stalwarts like Ferrari and McLaren come charging back?
In qualifying on Saturday, Jenson Button continued to carry the flag for Brawn GP. He secured the pole ahead of Toyota’s Jarno Trulli by almost a full tenth of a second. Future F1 champion Sebastian Vettel qualified third for Red Bull, with Rubens Barrichello joining him on the second row.
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The 2009 edition of the Malaysian Grand Prix, scheduled for 56 laps, would only get just past halfway. Rain plagued the race after Lap 19, creating difficult visibility and conditions on-course. While some teams opted for intermediate tires when the rain started, it would pick up quickly. Full wet tires became the norm before the red flag was displayed on Lap 33. However, per sporting regulations, the race technically halted at the end of Lap 31.
After losing the lead on the start, Button charged past Fernando Alonso and Trulli to take the victory. Half points were awarded due to the race not reaching 75 percent completion. In the process, Brawn GP became the first team since Alfa Romeo in 1950 to win their first two grands prix.
The race went down in history as the fifth shortest race in F1 history. The 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix was the first race since 1991 to be stopped before 75 percent distance. Relive the full crazy race from Sepang here.
Be sure to tune in for the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday, Oct. 2nd. Coverage of the race from Sepang can be seen at 2:00 a.m. ET live on NBCSN.
Leigh Diffey, David Hobbs, and Steve Matchett call the action on-track, with Townsend Bell reporting from pit road.
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