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F1: Malaysian GP Weekend Notebook (UPDATE 15)
Check back here for frequent updates throughout the Malaysian Grand Prix weekend...
SPEED Staff  |  Posted March 24, 2013   Sepang (MAS)
Pirelli boss Paul Hembery (Right) talks with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner in Malaysia. (Photo: LAT Photographic)
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2013

PHOTOS: Malaysian GP Gallery

RECAP: NO BULL - VETTEL NIPS WEBBER FOR MALAYSIAN GP WIN
RESULTS: MALAYSIAN GP
STANDINGS: MALAYSIAN GP

VIDEO: SEBASTIAN VETTEL WINS MALAYSIAN GP:
— NBC Sports

[SUNDAY 8:25 am ET]

PIRELLI TO CHANGE TIRES IF 'UNANIMOUSLY' ASKED: Pressure is mounting on F1 supplier Pirelli to change its tires. It is being whispered ever louder in the Sepang paddock that Red Bull, Mercedes and perhaps other teams are pushing hard for the Italian supplier to amend the heavily-degrading tires supplied so far in 2013 in Australia and Malaysia. "There are definitely signs about a change of the compound," Mercedes' Toto Wolff is quoted by SID news agency. "In all probability, either in Bahrain or maybe after (the new tires will appear)." Pirelli's Paul Hembery, however, said the marque will only look to change tack if the teams "unanimously" demand it. "That (unanimity) is definitely not the case," he insisted. "If we do something, and suddenly two or three cars are no longer competitive but some others are suddenly faster, then we just have a new problem. We are analyzing the situation," Pirelli is quoted by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, "but there is still no decision." And spox.com quotes him adding: "Many teams want to change the situation to their advantage. If we feel we need to change something, we will." — GMM Newswire

ALONSO BETTER THAN VETTEL CLAIM 'DISRESPECTFUL' - BUTTON: Jenson Button has admitted he feels uncomfortable about the general perception that Fernando Alonso is better than the Spaniard's recent title rival Sebastian Vettel. Asked by Spanish sports newspaper AS to describe his former McLaren teammate Lewis Hamilton, Button said: "Lewis is extremely fast, a great driver. I've been asked this a lot. I'm tired of these questions." Told, however, that Alonso shares his high opinion of Hamilton, Button answered: "Yes, Fernando always says positive things about Lewis. He loves Lewis," the McLaren driver laughed. "Sometimes the compliments are even returned." Told that it is all just 'psychological warfare' in the battle to dethrone reigning triple World Champion Vettel, Button said: "I don't know. You'd have to ask them. It (mind games) is not something that interests me. I don't know if Fernando is a better driver than Sebastian. No one knows. We are a group of drivers and if you say that one is better, in this case Alonso (or) Vettel, then that is disrespectful. You have to respect everyone, but obviously some (are respected) more than others." — GMM Newswire

[SUNDAY 7:16 am ET]

Sebastian Vettel is mum on whether he has signed a new Red Bull contract. (Photo: LAT Photographic)
VETTEL DENIES SIGNING 2016 RBR EXTENSION: Malaysian GP winner Sebastian Vettel has played down multiple reports that he has signed a Red Bull contract extension through 2016. Asked if he has added two more years to his current deal, the reigning World Champion answered: "I do not talk about contracts." But Bild am Sonntag reporter Frank Schneider pointed out that Vettel pointedly "shook his head" as he made his standard answer, indicating that he is yet to agree a new deal. "But I said nothing!" the German driver laughed, admitting his "body language" may have been different. Having previously said he wanted to join Ferrari one day, Vettel was nonetheless asked by Schneider if he is now open to staying at Red Bull for the rest of his career. "Could be. Depends on how long my career is," Vettel answered mysteriously. Asked when he will decide what to do beyond his 2014 contract, he continued: "In this case, probably no later than early 2015. Not today, anyway." Also leaving the door open is Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali. Asked by Germany's Welt if Vettel is a potential candidate, the Italian answered: "This is far in the future. I have no idea and it depends on both sides. It's not a relevant issue at the moment." — GMM Newswire

WHITMARSH FAILS TO 'KILL' 2012 CAR COMEBACK RUMORS: Martin Whitmarsh has failed yet again to "kill off" suggestions McLaren will ultimately scrap the 2013 car and revert to the winning model of last season. Committed logistically to taking the struggling new MP4-28 to the Australia-Malaysia double header, the British team appears to have taken a small step forward this weekend. Whitmarsh is now suggesting a further improved 2013 car will be raced in China in three weeks. "Everything is an option," he told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport when asked the old question about the possible return of the 2012 car. "But we have made some initial progress and I believe up to China we will make some more. I believe we can make this car a winning one, it just might take longer than we like." — GMM Newswire

GROSJEAN TO BE FATHER: Romain Grosjean will soon be a father. After his new wife Marion Jolles — who met Grosjean while a F1 television reporter — was spotted apparently pregnant, the French Lotus driver confirmed the news. He said their baby is due in the summer. "We are absolutely delighted," said the 26-year-old. But according to Swiss journalist Roger Benoit, of the Blick newspaper, Lotus is apparently "not very happy about it, because (the team thinks) he should concentrate on the sport." Meanwhile, former Marussia driver Timo Glock's newly born first child — a son born by his partner Isabell — has been named Mika. — GMM Newswire


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