The Formula One (F1) Malaysian Grand Prix is the country's biggest racing event, attracting thousands of local racing enthusiasts and international visitors from around the world.
Malaysia is the first country in the South East Asia to have a Formula 1 track, second in Asia, with Japan being the first. Formula 1 is currently the third most watched live sporting event, second only to the Olympics and the World Cup.
It is the most watched racing event in the world. In fact, Formula 1 brings in much needed revenues to the countries. Even America, is vying for the Formula 1 races, who recently just renovated the Bridgestone tracks to comply with the strict Formula 1 standards. Most important of all, the circuit brings in racing fans from all around the world. The sport will be a part of the tourist attraction in the country.
Tourism has always contributed a large amount of Malaysia's revenue and has brought much of the foreign exchange. The Formula 1 Circuit has brought the country some relief from it recent economic crisis in the Mid 1997. However, things does not happen magically, rather it went through a lot of environmental changes to the area of Sepang, which was where the Formula 1 Circuit is located. With the increased influx of foreigners coming for the event, the Malaysian culture will be going through some changes, not only in terms of the auto racing but also influenced by foreign cultures.
During this time, expect to see the biggest names in Formula One Racing coming to Malaysia along with hordes of racing fans from across the world.
Sepang International Circuit is not just any ordinary racetrack. Instead, it will be a racing track with a veritable forest resort, complete with a peat swamp wetland botanical garden, a lake for water sports as well as orchards. The circuit is about 260ha, which started out in September 1997 and it was completed in 15 months. This circuit cost RM286 million and certainly has some quality as German outfit Tilke Engineering, who did the A1-ring circuit in Austria, built it.
The circuit was completed in 1998 and hosted the first Grand Prix event in Southeast Asia in 1999, while still continuing to host Formula 1 annually till today.
Hailed as a benchmark-breaking and media-friendly venue, the Sepang Circuit received world-wide acclaim.
In addition, the circuit boasts some impressive pit garage facilities and spacious grandstands with many amenities.
The circuit track is also a favourite of many racers, with smooth and sweeping corners, a few tight hairpins and a wide straight.
The Sepang International Circuit is located in the Multimedia Super Corridor which is around 40-minutes away from Kuala Lumpur and a stone's throw from the KLIA airport. Putrajaya and Cyberjaya are located just right next door as well. Those who arrive at the KLIA airport can immediately board shuttle buses, taxis or limousines that head directly to the Sepang Circuit during major racing events, such as the Malaysian Grand Prix,or choose to rent a car from a booth in the airport.
If coming from Kuala Lumpur, the same options are available through rented car, bus, train or cab. Those driving their own vehicles from Kuala Lumpur can hit either the Kesas Expressway or North-South Highway and turn off at the KLIA Interchange. The drive will take approximately 45-minutes to reach the Circuit. There is a toll ticket to pay for accessing both highways.
On the other hand, one can also take cabs from anywhere in Kuala Lumpur or buses from the KL Sentral in Brickfields. Those who want to use the rail can take the KLIA Express from the KL Sentral railway station to head to the airport and then board another bus or taxi to reach Sepang Circuit. Alternatively, you can also take a KTM commuter train from any point in Kuala Lumpur to Nilai, and then board a taxi or bus to reach Sepang Circuit.
The tickets are pricy but are still considered cheap compared to the ticket prices for races in Europe. The grand stand at the start-finish straight is already sold-out but there are still tickets available for all other seats ranging from RM700 to RM1200. The cheapest way to experience the race or the weekend (all tickets are valid from friday to sunday) is get a hillstand ticket (RM100), but make sure you bring an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun the very likely tropical rain.
Tickets are available online through various booking agents. However, you can also get tickets or make reservations in advance through the official Sepang Circuit portal at http://www.malaysiangp.com.my.
