The Malaysia A1 Grand Prix
The Sepang International Circuit at Selangor in Malaysia, a 45 minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, is a widely used motor sport venue, hosting the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix, A1 Grand Prix, MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix and many other smaller races.
The main 3.46 mile race track of the Sepang International Circuit comprises two smaller tracks and is known for its sweeping corners, wide straights, and a spectacular high speed chicane. The track provides many overtaking opportunities with eight straights and track width ranging from 16m to 25m, these together with the 15 corners and changeable weather conditions make this an exciting racing venue.
The first Malaysian Grand Prix held here in 1999 was one of the most dramatic, with Michael Schumacher returning to the sport after a broken leg, dominating the race and allow title chasing team mate Eddie Irvine to win, following this both cars were disqualified handing the title to Mika Hakkinen, before being sensationally re-instated.
The 2006 A1 race was another dominated by Team France and their driver Alexandre Premat, winning both the sprint race and the main race with Switzerland (Neel Jani) and the Czech Republic (Tomas Enge) following him home. It was a great weekend for the home crowd, as Alex Yoong drove superbly to bring Team Malaysia home in 5th place.
The facilities at Sepang are some of the finest around with room for 130,000 spectators, and a double-fronted main grandstand capable of holding 30,000. From any location spectators can view at least 50 per cent of the circuit. The welcome centre hosts the National Automobile Museum and there are some excellent corporate facilities here.
The Sepang Circuit has excellent transport links and is easily accessible by road, rail and air. Kuala Lumpur’s international airport is just 10 minutes drive and there are bus, taxis, and car rentals available. If you are driving from Kuala Lumpur, take the North-South highway towards the airport (KLIA) interchange, turn left after paying the toll, and then left after the first traffic lights following the signs for about 5 miles before reaching the track.