Explained in plain English

Why is Sepang a challenge?

Sepang hasn't hosted Formula 1 since 2017, and its track surface hasn't been relaid in nine years. This makes it particularly abrasive, putting extra stress on the tyres. Pirelli's choice of C2, C3, and C4 compounds, avoiding the very hardest options, aims to encourage more pit stops and varied race strategies, rather than just one long stint.