Scott Redding (Octo Pramac Yakhnich) started out tentative at Sepang International Circuit, taking some time to check out the new track surface and cambers at the venue. Gaining in confidence as grip proved better that expected, the Brit shot up the timesheets near the end of the session - into P3 – and remains there after FP2 saw rain stop laptimes from improving.
Scott Redding (P3): “It was quite good except for the wet patches, especially this afternoon because it’s not like a dry line – they’re on the racing line. The last corner is different but for me it’s not so different – I expected a lot less grip. But the grip is quite good. The track looks quite dirty but it’s actually ok. So this morning I came from way down because I was quite nervous but once I managed to improve the feeling, it was good. FP1 was good, and FP2 in the rain. In the mixed conditions I didn’t think there was a reason to take a lot of risk, and then in the end we were able to do some laps on the slick tyre.”