Weekend Racing Preview: Racing from the Pacific to the Mediterranean

While last week was the real beginning of the international racing season with the 12 Hours of Sebring and Formula 1 opening race, the Indycar Series in the US and World Touring Car Championship in Europe both have their season openers this weekend. 

Formula 1

The Formula 1 season moves on to Malaysia this weekend. The biggest question on everyone's minds is who will be at the front of the pack. Lotus, Ferrari and Red Bull all appear to have strong packages, but the Malaysian Grand Prix is often a wet race. That could mix things up a little. The race and qualifying both begin at 4pm local time, which is 8am GMT or 4am EDT.

IndyCar Series

The IndyCar Series has its season opener at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in Florida. The race starts at 12pm EDT (4pm GMT) on March 24.

World Touring Car Championship

The World Touring Car Championship also begins its season with two, 10-lap races over the weekend at Monza. The races are both on Sunday at 3:05pm (2:05pm GMT or 10:05am EDT)  and 5:20pm (4:20pm GMT or 12:20 EDT) local time.

NASCAR

NASCAR moves into its fifth event at Autoclub Speedway in Fontana, California. The race starts at 3:00pm EDT (7:00pm GMT) on Sunday.