The heat is on at Bahrain GP in Sepang

This weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia has been declared a heat-hazard race, with temperatures expected to reach up to 33°C during the event.

According to the BBC, the designation is the third heat-hazard classification of the season, following the Austrian and Italian grands prix.

A heat hazard is an official status given to a race when temperatures are forecast to exceed 31°C at some point during the event.

Temperatures are forecast to range between 31°C and 33°C throughout the race weekend, with high humidity and a chance of rain each day.

The race is being held in Malaysia as a replacement for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was postponed from its original April date because of the war in the Middle East.

The heat-hazard classification allows drivers to use an in-car cooling system that circulates a cooled liquid, such as glycol, through pipes in a fireproof top worn underneath their overalls. The cooling kit is optional.

However, drivers who choose not to use it must carry 5kg of ballast in their cars to ensure they do not gain a competitive advantage.

The designation was first introduced last year after technology for the cooling vest had been developed.

Some drivers have opted not to use the cooling system because of discomfort and concerns that the coolant could run out before the race ends.

If that happens, the liquid can reach the temperature of the car, which is considerably higher than the ambient temperature.

Cockpit temperatures in an F1 car can exceed 40°C, while drivers wear several layers of fireproof clothing in addition to a balaclava and helmet.

The combination makes overheating a significant concern during races held in extreme heat.

Sepang International Circuit CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the circuit is fully prepared ahead of this weekend’s race.

Azhan said nearly 100,000 tickets have been sold, setting a record for the highest ticket sales in the history of races held at the circuit.

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