2008 Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix

[Kitdy]

Originally Posted by ringle

The last lap or two of a race sees very different circumstances for all teams and cars. Most cars are at this point are on their lightest fuel loads all day having only one or two extra laps of fuel in them. Combine this with many cars now driving in clean air, some cars turning down the revs (to preserve engines for the next race) as they have very little chance of improving or losing their position, some cars still racing each other for position, some cars engines on their second race and being able to explore the limits, and an varied assortment of other anomalies all leading to very different lap times.

If they are at their lightest, they can't be much lighter than just before pitting. Maybe it was track conditions?

[Zytek_Fan]

Originally Posted by fpv_gtho

I think he just had good track conditions. The Honda isnt a faster car than the BMW, Ferrari and McLaren in any dry conditions. Fastest lap is just that, a lap.

Yep.
The Honda's were consistently the slowest through the speed traps

[ringle]

Originally Posted by Kitdy

If they are at their lightest, they can't be much lighter than just before pitting. Maybe it was track conditions?

Yes, this as well, as there is no doubt the track is more "rubbered in" at the end.

[Kitdy]

I think it's still impressive that eh set such a lap in such a slow car.

[fpv_gtho]

Of course its still impressive, but they couldnt put laps like that in for qualifying when it counted and everybody was on a level playing field