Malaysian Grand Prix 2016: Where to watch practice live, preview and track facts

The F1 juggernaut continues its Asian sojourn after the Singapore Grand Prix and this weekend they are at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. This season the Malaysian GP has been clubbed with the rest of the flyaway Grand Prix unlike in the previous years, when it has always been the second race of the season following the Australian GP.

Mercedes will be the favourite going into the weekend, but Ferrari will hope to replicate last season's success after Sebastian Vettel beat the Mercedes drivers to take victory. It was believed to be the return of the Maranello-based team to wining ways, but they won just twice more last season and are still searching for their first win in the ongoing campaign.

Red Bull Racing have looked strong this season and are clearly the most improved team. They are in the second place in the constructors' championship and will hope to continue their good form in Sepang. Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikonnen and Max Verstappen are battling for the third place in the drivers' championship.

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are having their own battle in the front with the German returning to form after the summer break and retaking the lead in the championship. He is now eight points ahead of the Briton with six races to go.

The Malaysian Grand Prix can see a contrast of weather:it can either be hot and humid which will play a major role in tyre degradation during the race or it can rain heavily which makes it treacherous for the drivers. On most occasions the weather plays a part in deciding the final outcome of the race, which makes it exciting for the viewers.

Where to watch live

The first practice session of the Malaysian Grand Prix starts at 3am BST, with Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports F1 HD providing live coverage in the UK.

Real-time internet updates are available on the Live Timing section of the sport's official website. Live coverage of the second practice session starts at 7am BST.

Track Facts

• Circuit Name: Sepang International Circuit
• First F1 Race: 1999
• Circuit Length: 5.543km
• Number of Laps: 56
• Race Distance: 310.408km
• Lap Record: 1:34.223 Juan Pablo Montoya (2004)
• Most Wins: Sebastian Vettel (4)
• 2015 Winner: Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
• 2014 Pole: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

Drivers' Championship standings