[18] Benetton cancelled a test in Barcelona ran at the Silverstone Circuit a week later using new Supertec engines angled at 110° degrees.

Changes centred on the requirement to increase the cooling of each car's mechanical components in order to cope with Malaysia's humid climate.

[23] Several teams reported poor radio reception, possibly caused by the large grandstands located around the track.

The Ferrari drivers remained fast, with Michael Schumacher second and Rubens Barrichello fourth, despite the latter developing flu symptoms.

[23] Coulthard temporarily drove onto the grass at the entry to KLIA Curve when he braked later than intended and went through the gravel to rejoin to the racing line.

Mika Salo lost control of his Sauber car and went into the gravel trap at Sunway Lagoon Corner.

[35] Each driver was limited to twelve laps during Saturday's one-hour qualifying session, with the starting position determined by their fastest performance.

Michael Schumacher took his ninth pole position of the season and 32nd of his career with a lap time of 1:37.397 set with three minutes remaining after a second attempt with a rear wing change was cancelled owing to a flat-spotted tyre.

[36][37] Coulthard qualified third and during a refueling pit stop when a fire caused by a loose fuel line on his McLaren saw petrol seet into his left eye.

[29] Although his car's engine was shut off due to a loss of power that caused him to slow down on the straights during his final run, Villeneuve set the sixth fastest lap time.

Herbert qualified twelfth in his final Formula One race and experienced understeer due to an engine change.

He was ahead of Fisichella in 13th and Pedro de la Rosa in 14th, who set the fastest lap for the Arrows team on new tyres.

Jos Verstappen, 15th, suffered from understeer, resulting in a driver error and damage to a radiator that leaked water in his race car.

[10] The drivers took to the track at 10:30 Malaysian Standard Time (GMT +8) for a half hour warm-up session in warm, dry weather.

[41] Lap times in the session were about two and a half seconds slower than in qualifying because vehicles were fitted with race-specific bodywork and radiators.

On the same lap, Ralf Schumacher (affected by a major cold) was forced onto the grass while attempting to pass Irvine, and Trulli damaged his front wing after colliding with the Jaguar.

[2][10][47] When the safety car entered the pit lane at the conclusion of the second lap, the race resumed with Häkkinen leading.

[48] Because he was driving a lightly fuelled car, Coulthard began to pull away from Michael Schumacher almost immediately with successive fastest laps.

[47][48] Salo overtook Herbert for eighth position on lap nine, while Ralf Schumacher's car began to develop mechanical issues.

[47] On the tenth lap, Coulthard ran off the track at turn six,[2] with grass penetrating his left-hand radiator inlet and blocking the hot air release pipes.

[47] Coulthard made an early pit stop one lap later to clear the debris from his radiator, resolving his overheating problem.

[10][47] Ralf Schumacher's team called him into the garage to retire to prevent a failure of a malfunctioning engine oil supply system that was detected by the electronic data transmitter and transmitted to Williams' command centre that lap.

[10][44] Herbert exited his car unaided, and track marshals assisted him on a stretcher for transport to the circuit's medical centre for precautionary x-rays.

[47][52] Michael Schumacher held off Coulthard and crossed the finish line first on lap 56 to claim his ninth victory of the season and 44th of his career in a time of 1'35:54.235,[49] at an average speed of 194.199 km/h (120.670 mph).

[56] Wurz, Salo, Fisichella, Verstappen and Alesi, Trulli (who had a slow puncture) and Mazzacane were the final classified finishers.

[57] McLaren team principal Ron Dennis congratulated Ferrari and Michael Schumacher for winning both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships.

[59] Similarly, their technical director, Ross Brawn, believe that the team may improve more in the coming seasons: "We've got to build from this success and I'm sure we will do and get all the support from Italy and Ferrari that we will need to continue in this vein.

"[60] Ferrari celebrated their win and thanked their followers for their continuing support at an event at the Mugello Circuit in front of 50,000 people.

[52] Mercedes-Benz Motorsport head Norbert Haug praised McLaren for their form and work during the season and reflected on the race, "We had the speed again today, but Mika was penalised and got a stop and go.

"[49] Irvine stated that he was glad to complete the year with a single championship point and that the result highlighted the car's potential, adding, "There is obviously a lot of work to do over the winter, and if that goes well, I think we can start next season in a much better position.