When: April 3-5
Where: Sepang International Circuit, Selangor, Malaysia
In March, the Formula One calendar makes a roaring start at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia… then continues the race a week later at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, from April 3-5.
Since launching its first F1 race in 1999, the Malaysia Grand Prix has become a popular (and comparatively affordable) destination for Formula One fans.
The Track
The Sepang International Circuit is 3.44 miles in length – the 56 laps run by drivers adds up to an overall race length of 193 miles! Its challenging track ensures that no driver makes it through without a fight: it’s a 15-turn nightmare with high-speed straightaways and hairpin turns. In this animation, F1 racer Jarno Trulli explains why the Sepang course is so difficult, even for experienced drivers.
As if the nightmarish track weren’t enough for drivers, Malaysia’s temperamental weather adds to the difficulty of the Sepang Circuit. In 2001, a rainstorm erupted in the middle of a race, leading to both Ferrari cars’ spinning off one corner at the same time!
From a spectator’s point of view, the Sepang Circuit’s facilities greatly enhance the F1 experience. The hibiscus-shaped grandstand roof shelters 30,000 spectators, while providing a breathtaking backdrop to the on-track action. All in all, a completely-packed circuit seats up to 130,000 spectators enjoying one of Formula One’s most affordable races.
Tickets can be purchased online from the Sepang Circuit website.
Getting There
The Sepang Circuit is only ten minutes’ drive away from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). From the airport, you can rent a car or ride a shuttle service to the circuit.
If you’re driving from Kuala Lumpur, you can take any major highway going to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). After paying the toll, take the first left exit after the highway. A mosque will be visible to your left. Go straight once you arrive at the roundabout, then take the first left exit after the traffic light. Signs will then lead you to your destination. Total trip takes 45 minutes.
Where to Stay
Formula One enthusiasts will find no shortage of hotels near the Sepang International Circuit to give guests an easy access to and from Malaysia Grand Prix races. The hotels listed below are within 20km of the Circuit:
- Concorde Inn KLIA (telephone: +60.3.8783.3118)
- Pan Pacific KLIA (telephone: +60.3.8787.3333)
- De Palma Inn Sepang (telephone: +60.3.8706.2020)
- Allson Klana Nilai (telephone: +60.6.799.8888)
- Renaissance Palm Garden (telephone: +60.3.8943.2233)
- Nilai Hotel (telephone: +60.6.799.8388)
For a more complete list of accommodations near the Sepang International Circuit, check this page from the official Sepang Circuit site.
(Photograph courtesy Jaggat Images.)