Background
The Sepang F1 International Circuit is the venue used for the Formula One Malaysia, Grand Prix, Al Grand Prix as well as the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix.
Widely regarded as a benchmark for other Grand Prix venues, the Sepang circuit boasts superb garage and media facilities, an impressive grandstand and outstanding patron amenities. There have been complaints of unevenness of the racing surface as the track seems to be slowly sinking. This may be due to the fact the Sepang is a former swamp but rest assured, the track is well maintained and kept in tip top condition.
Events that have been held at the Sepang International F1 Circuit are:
Japan GT Championship Moto GF
Malaysian Super Series
Sepang Drag Battle
Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix
Asian Festival of Speed
FIM Asia road racing championship
K4-GP (Japanese)
The circuit
The circuit was designed by renowned German designer Hermann Tilke, who is to design the new facilities in Shanghai , Bahrain and Turkey .
The main circuit, normally raced in a clockwise direction, is 5.54 kilometers long, and is noted for its sweeping corners and wide straights. The layout is quite unusual, with a very long back straight separated from the pit straight by just one very tight hairpin.
The first half of the main circuit is the north circuit and the south circuit represents the other half of the race course.
The Sepang International Circuit also features kart racing and motocross facilities.
Preparation tips for your race day
Dress light as the scourging sun coupled by the heat emitted by the car engines and the race track will really get you heated up.
Gearing yourself with a cap, sunglasses, sunblock and an umbrella will also be beneficial to protect yourself from excessive sun exposure.
Bring lots of water as all the heat can get you very dehydrated.
As prices in Sepang circuit are expensive do consider packing your own food and drinks and other personal items that you would need.
For photography enthusiast, don't forget to pack a good camera as the action on the track will be worth a few shots.
For F1 fanatics, there will be a souvenir book on sale which includes racers and teams for this year and also last year's winners.
As parking is a problem do make sure to get your parking sticker when you purchase your race tickets or opt for public transport.
Getting there
Located in the heart of the country's Multimedia Super Corridor, the Sepang Circuit is accessible via rail and road. Limousines, shuttle services and car rentals are available at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which is only a 10-minute drive from the circuit.
The circuit is also connected via major highways and expressways. From Kuala Lumpur (KL), take the North-South Highway towards the KLIA interchange. Once you pay the toll, take the first left exit from the highway. A mosque will be on your left. At the round-a-bout go straight. Take the first left exit after the traffic light (about 8 km). Follow the signs and they will take you to your destination.
It would take roughly 45 minutes to get to the circuit from KL.
If you're planning to take public transport, catch the train from KL Sentral to KLIA and then transfer onto shuttle buses which will bring you to the circuit. The operator of KLA Ekspres and KLIA Transit has transport packages which cover the train ride and shuttle bus.