Malaysian Grand Prix

Although only joining the Formula 1 competition in 1999, the Malaysian Grand Prix is fast becoming one of the most notoriously challenging races in the championship series. Aside from the elaborately designed race track with that one vexing hairpin curve, drivers also have the unpredictable weather to deal with.

Back when the Malaysian Grand Prix was scheduled towards the end of the Formula 1 championship, the drivers would have to toil in sweltering heat one moment, then manage slippery tracks in a thunderstorm minutes later, then completely be caught off guard as the rain vanishes, leaving the tracks suddenly dry. These may seem like slight drawbacks, but are actually what makes the Malaysian Grand Prix one of the more exciting events in the Formula 1 series.

The Sepang International Circuit is characterized by it's broad, sinuous curves, extensive, straight lengths and especially its rather tight hairpin curve. The Malaysian Grand Prix used to be at the end of the Formula 1 championship but it was moved up to the second race, challenging drivers all the more with their need to get used to all their new gear and equipment. The track is 5.54 kilometers long, and as the Malaysian Grand Prix takes 56 laps, the race is computed to be 310.4 km long.

Designed by Hermann Tilke, who also revamped the circuit facilities of Bahrain, Shanghai and Turkey, the Sepang International Circuit was deemed so technologically advanced at its inauguration that all succeeding Formula 1 circuits that were built were influenced by, if not modeled after, this track and its facilities, including the grandstands, where many vie for Malaysian Grand Prix tickets early to access the coveted double-fronted grandstand seats facing the pits. The Sepang International Circuit, which also hosts the MotoGP, the A1 GP and the SuperGT races, became the standard that all other circuits were measured by, and continues to improve today. An example of this constant improvement is the plan to install an elaborate lighting system so that the races can be enjoyed in the cooler evenings.

At the Malaysian Grand Prix, the newsmakers are not necessarily also the winners of the competition. After a leg injury in the 1999 British Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher made a glorious comeback in the inauguration of the Malaysian Grand Prix and the then-brand new Sepang International Circuit, leading the race to allow his Ferrari teammate, Eddie Irvine, to claim the victory. Interestingly, both Schumacher and Irvine were actually disqualified due to a technicality, but the decision was eventually overruled. A year after Irvine's win, Schumacher won the Malaysian Grand Prix for the next two years, and again in 2004. The 2007 Malaysian Grand Prix winner is Fernando Alonso, clocking in at 1:32:14.9.

While Kuala Lumpur is the main destination of Malaysia's visitors, the city is a good 60 kilometers from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The airport is, however, only 5 kilometers from Sepang, where the Malaysian Grand Prix is held, so it might be better to find accommodations nearer the airport instead of in the city.

Of course, staying in the city despite the 40 minute commute to the Sepang International Circuit is not a bad idea either, as you'll have lots to entertain you in between race schedules. Kuala Lumpur is brimming with activity, particularly exotic dining, sightseeing and shopping. Getting around the city is easy with the highly organized metro rail system and scheduled bus routes. Going around by taxi is not expensive, although you may spend a bit for traveling to and from Sepang or the airport, especially late at night.

Patron seating, general admission seating and the grandstands are equally well designed, with comfortable seats and a spectacular view of the race, wherever you may be seated. Regulars of the Sepang International Circuit will prefer the double-fronted grandstand seats, but really, there are many areas which will provide spectacular views of the race. Even general admission areas are highly recommended, specifically those near any of the sweeping corners, where the action is jam-packed.

Malaysian Grand Prix tickets are comparatively more inexpensive than in other circuits in the Formula 1 competition. This is because the hosts of the competition are also encouraging audiences from Kuala Lumpur and the neighboring rural areas, as well as a more international audience.