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The
Malaysian Grand Prix is synonymous with heat and above
all with humidity. There is no other race on the current
Formula 1 calendar at which these factors weigh so
heavily both on the cars and drivers and also on the
team personnel.
The cars sprout thousands of apertures on the bodywork
to allow the engine and control units to breathe, but
that’s just not possible for the drivers as the suits
they wear inside the cockpit are governed by technical
regulations which cannot be modified in any way.
Therefore the only line of defense comes from being as
well prepared as possible physically. Edoardo Bendinelli,
who along with Fabrizio Borra has been responsible for
several years now for this vital aspect of Fernando
Alonso’s preparation, explains how the Ferrari driver
will tackle this event.
“There is no magic formula which would allow one to
arrive in Sepang and not suffer from the heat,” explains
Edoardo. “The real preparation must start at least one
month in advance, trying to do aerobic exercise in
climatic conditions as similar as possible to those
found in Malaysia and at the same time of day that the
race takes place, to adapt the body to this type of
effort. We are already in Kuala Lumpur to adapt quickly
to the much higher temperatures than in Melbourne, but
above all, to a humidity level which is usually twice
that found in Australia. In the days leading up to the
start of the event, we do activities such as running,
golf and other sports that maintain a high
cardiovascular level, always compatible with the
conditions. Basically, we are always trying to maintain
a good training level, increasing specific activities
going into the event. Then, over the weekend itself, we
also do some short sessions of recovery activity in the
gym or the swimming pool to try and drain the driver’s
body as much as possible.”
Another aspect specifically linked to this Grand Prix is
hydration. There is no other race in which a driver
loses so much liquid as he does in Sepang. “It is very
important to drink a lot before going out on track,
alternating plain water with a rehydrating drink,
without going too far with the latter. Then, once in the
car you need to adapt: the amount of liquid available is
always the same and after just a few laps it reaches a
very high temperature and the race suit does not allow
for the right level of heat dissipation to the outside.
I remember that, a few years ago, Fernando lost around
three and a half kilos of liquid during the race: that
gives you an idea of how extreme are the conditions all
the drivers face in Malaysia. To try and alleviate the
discomfort one tries to keep certain key parts of the
body as cool as possible right until the very last
moment, using for example, soaking wet towels around the
neck before getting in the cockpit on the grid and
putting the feet in water and ice bath before putting
the shoes on.”
Two other key areas are nutrition and rest: “In a Grand
Prix like this, the driver must eat very lightly, taking
on mainly vegetables and fruit, as well as trying to get
as much rest as possible,” concludes Edoardo. “Fernando
is a champion in this area too and at night, he always
manages to sleep deeply and without interruption.”
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