By Huw Alban
April 29 2002

"They are the unsung heroes of F1." That was how the Malaysian press were describing the pit crews at Sepang today, as each team starts to prepare their cars and garages ready for the first free practice on Friday. Engine mechanic and fuel man, Simon Coulton, has been describing his role in the team "My job is to prepare the engines for the cars throughout the whole weekend," Simon said to the Malaysian press. "I have had the experience when two engines blew up at the same time. It was difficult."

"Last week, it was a blow for us when both our cars stalled at the grid because of mechanical problems. Both were suspended when they left the pit with their red light on.

"It is important for the pit crew to ensure everything is all right. Everyone has a role here and the drivers can be in trouble if we do not get it right."

The 35-year-old also talked about his role as the fuel man, one that he finds very exciting. "It is one of the exciting jobs here. It is dangerous. Your life is at risk. And you have to do it very fast so that the drivers will get back to the track as fast as possible," he said.

The pit crew is as important as the driver and the car in a race. Even the top teams have pit crew problems from time to time. During the 1999 World Championship Ferrari slipped when only 3 tyres were ready for Eddie Irvine's pit stop at the European Grand Prix, costing the team valuable points in the process.

Team Manager, Mick Ainsley-Cowlishaw, backed his own pit crew and paid praise to their efforts despite the intense heat and humidity at Sepang. "It can be tiring because of the hot weather. Other than that, they are well-trained and they are used to setting up the place. This is a team effort and every one of them has an important role to play."