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History of Circuit

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.

Malaysia, however, is not only looking at Sepang International Circuit as only a physical facility for Motorsports. In this place called ‘Home of Motorsports’ lies the aspiration of making Malaysia as the hub for motor racing activities in the region and a catalyst to spark a new beginning of Malaysia’s motorsports.

In all, the track can accommodate up to 130,000 spectators at a time. It can fill up the grand stand with 32,000 spectators at the Main Grand Stand and 18 corporate suites. New Grand Stand K and F, which can fill up another 18,500 spectators facing, turn 1 and 7 respectively.
The 1.3 km length of double frontage grandstand affords a view of the circuit’s longest straight. The grandstand is constructed along the east-west alignment to ensure shade from the sun’s glare at all times.

The heart of the circuit and focal point is the three-storey Pit Building, facing the main grand stand. All the main facilities are housed here 33 Pits, Race Control Room, Time – Keeping Room, Paddock Clubs and management offices.

The administrative block for Sepang F1 Circuit is the Welcome Centre, which also serve as the gateway to the Main Grand Stand. Apart form the offices; it also housed the Sepang Circuit Shoppe, a restaurant and an exhibition hall.

The track is electronically linked through a network of fibre optic cabling system along the track to 27 closed circuit TV cameras, which is centrally monitored at the Race Control Room. Every incident along the 5.543km circuit is recorded by the cameras and will be closely watched by the clerk of the course during events.

Safety is the utmost importance and for that Sepang F1 Circuit has a special block dedicated for its Medical Centre. It is situated next to the Pit Building and during major events; this block will be transformed into a fully equipped mini hospital.

Article from official website MalaysiaGP.