Kimi Räikkönen wins 2008 Malaysian Grand Prix

March 23, 2008 Ferrari driver Kimi Räikkönen won the FIA Formula One 2008 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia. Both Ferrari drivers, started from the front row of the grid, confidently facing up to their McLaren rivals, but the pole-sitter Felipe Massa first lost his place to Kimi and then went out because of a driving error.

Robert Kubica from BMW Sauber placed second, trailing Räikkönen by a considerable margin.

McLaren Mercedes drivers took the second row in qualification, but Heikki Kovalainen and Lewis Hamilton were penalized five places yesterday for impeding Nick Heidfeld (BMW Sauber) and Fernando Alonso (Renault).

Kovalainen regained his lost places and finished on the last step of the podium, third. Toyota driver Jarno Trulli did his best to hold Hamilton behind and finished fourth.

Heidfeld comfortably finished six. Alonso pushed hard on Mark Webber (Red Bull-Renault) but was unable to pass him and closed the top eight. David Coulthard, the cause of the Friday investigation by FIA stewards of RBR suspension failure, finished after Alonso. Jenson Button won the tenth place for Honda. Rookie driver Nelson Piquet Jr. had a first time finish in 11th place for Renault.

Giancarlo Fisichella showed progress with Force India team, beating the second Honda of Rubens Barrichello, both Williams', and Super Aguri.