The fact that it runs anti-clockwise (one of three anti-clockwise tracks in the championship including Singapore and newest track Abu Dhabi) contributes to driver fatigue. It also creates additional pressures for the tyres and particularly for the right front, as well as for the drivers’ neck muscles.Turn 8 is super fast with high G, in fact it’s quite high G-force, up to 5G for 5/6 seconds, which puts a lot of stress on your neck. You need to exercise the left side of your neck a little more than usual before getting in the car.
Because of the nature of this track all the cars will run with medium downforce settings in order to carry good speed through Turn 8. As McLaren lacks downforce I don't see any chance for Hamilton in top 5 unless the safety car is deployed. My prediction for the podium if the race is dry
Button
Massa
Vettel