2014 Malaysian Grand Prix

Previous race

In Melbourne, Nico Rosberg converted his third-place grid slot into a dominant victory — winning by almost 25 seconds after both Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel suffered early retirements with engine problems. Kevin Magnussen finished second on his Formula One debut, with Jenson Button third. Daniel Ricciardo originally crossed the line second but was disqualified post-race for exceeding the fuel flow limit throughout the race, promoting McLaren’s pair to the podium. It was McLaren’s first double podium since the 2012 Chinese Grand Prix.

Championship standings

Rosberg leads the Drivers’ Championship after Round 1, with Hamilton and Vettel yet to score.

Between-race developments

Red Bull immediately announced an appeal of Ricciardo’s Australia disqualification, contesting the reliability of the FIA fuel flow sensors. The appeal has not yet been heard. Ricciardo will start this race under the original result pending the outcome.

Tyre choices

Pirelli brings the orange-banded hard compound as the prime tyre and the white-banded medium as the option — the same selection used at the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix.

Entrants

A minute’s silence will be held before the race in memory of the 239 passengers and crew of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which disappeared over the Indian Ocean three weeks ago. Drivers are also carrying messages on their cars and helmets in tribute.