So the speed has not vanished after all. Lewis Hamilton engaged in some high-speed exorcism in Sepang, vanquishing the memories of a dismal weekend in Singapore to take an emphatic pole position for the Malaysian Grand Prix ahead of Nico Rosberg.
After being thoroughly outclassed two weeks ago to fall eight points behind in the championship, Hamilton delivered a timely riposte to his doubters, going nearly half a second quicker than his title rival and Mercedes team-mate.