f1 circuits: Malaysia

SEPANG

Image courtesy Renault F1Overview

Malaysia has long had ambitions to join the countries hosting international motor sport and the country now has a circuit worthy of hosting both the F1 and FIM Motorcycle Grands Prix and one which raises the standards for all other circuits. 

Some 64 km south of Kuala Lumpur the Sepang International Circuit has put Malaysia on the Formula 1 Map.

The main circuit, normally raced in a clockwise direction, is 5.54 kilometres long, and is noted for its sweeping corners and wide straights.[1] The layout is quite unusual, with a very long back straight separated from the pit straight by just one very tight hairpin.

Other configurations of the Sepang circuit can also be used. The north circuit is also raced in a clockwise direction. It is basically the first half of the main circuit. The course turns back towards the pit straight after turn 6 and is 2.71 kilometres long in total.

The south circuit is the other half of the racecourse. The back straight of the main circuit becomes the pit straight when the south circuit is in use, and joins onto turn 8 of the main circuit to form a hairpin turn. Also run clockwise, this circuit is 2.61 km in length. Sepang International Circuit also features kart racing and motocross facilities.


Specification:

  • Circuit Length: 5,542 km
  • Turns: 15
  • Longest Straight 927.543 metres
  • Starting time: 08:00 CET
  • Local time: CET +7 hours
  • First GP: 1999
  • Race laps: 56 laps
  • Total distance: 310,352 km
  • Winner 2010: Sebastian Vettel, RBR Renault 
  • Lap Records: J.P Montoya - 2004 - Williams BMW 1:34.223 in lap 28

 

History:

The state-of-the-art circuit, Sepang International Circuit was officially opened on March 9, 1999 by the Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. It was completed in a record of 14 months and with the recognition of its ultramodern facilities, it was given the honour to incorporate the F1 logo in its name.

Situated 85km from Kuala Lumpur city centre, it is accessible via modern North-South Expressway, Railway Links and a network of Highways. Being closely situated to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport makes it an ideal place for world-class international events.

With the length of 5.543 km, the track features 15 turns and 8 straights with access speed of more than 300km/h. the track allows ample opportunities for overtaking, ensuring a suspense and thrills of the race.

Race officials and track marshals from Shanghai International Circuit will be included in the Malaysian team to run the 2004 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, which will be held from 19th to 21st March at Sepang F1 Circuit. The inclusion of the Chinese team for the Sepang race officially marked the start of a long-term cooperation between Sepang International Circuit and Shanghai International Circuit to promote Formula One and motorsports as a whole in the region.

The agreement was reached in a 30-minute meeting at Shanghai International Circuit in China between Sepang International Circuit General Manager Ahmad Mustafa and his Shanghai counterpart, Mr Mao Xiaohan on Tuesday.  

 

Directions:

Take any major highway heading to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). 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 first traffic light (about 8 km). Follow the signs to take you to your destination.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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