Find out more about the Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit, including race information and a destination guide for a visit to Kuala Lumpur
Key figures
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Nearly 20 years since it first joined the F1 calendar, the Sepang International Circuit is back in its original slot in the latter part of the season. A good test of an F1 car with long straights, big braking zones and high-speed corners, it’s also a test of the drivers’ fitness in the heat and humidity of Malaysia. A long pit straight leads into two hairpins - a right followed by a left - before a sweeping third corner before another overtaking opportunity in the uphill braking zone into the right-handed Turn 4. After a high-speed change of direction through turns 5 and 6 are followed by two fast right-handers and then heavy braking for the Turn 9 hairpin. Another high-speed sweeping section then leads on to the long back straight, before another good overtaking opportunity at the wide 180-degree final corner.
DESTINATION GUIDE
While the Sepang International Circuit itself is built directly next to the airport, it is easy to access Kuala Lumpur city centre as a result. At the circuit fans can have a go at karting or give paintballing a try, but most attractions are to be found in Kuala Lumpur.
The Petronas Towers are located in the Bukit Bintang area of the city, overlooking KLCC Park, with tours taking 45 minutes which include the Skybridge on the 41st floor as well as the 86th-floor observation deck. Below the towers is the large KLCC Ramlee Mall, while for a stunning view of the towers head across KLCC Park to Traders hotel and enjoy a drink in the SkyBar.
For another impressive view of the city, head to the Menara Kuala Lumpur, where there’s a revolving restaurant and an outdoor observation deck overlooking the rainforest immediately below. Access to the Menara KL can be achieved by following the canopy walkway through Bukit Nanas, the Forest Eco Park.
While the Petronas Towers show off the modern side of Kuala Lumpur, the city still contains many historic places of interest. The Sin Sze Si Ya Temple - the oldest Chinese temple in the city - is a short walk from Pasar Seni metro station in the centre of the city, while slightly north of it is the Masjid Jamek mosque, which has its own metro station. The Thean Hou Temple is also further south in the Taman Persiaran Desa region.
Kuala Lumpur offers a wide variety of cuisines and cultures, and a visit would not be complete without a trip to the flea market at Petaling Street, to see locals haggling over counterfeit products as well as sampling all sorts of different food from the many restaurants and stalls.
HOW TO GET THERE
One of the easier circuits to access once you reach the local airport, with the Sepang International Circuit located next to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Two airport trains - the KLIA Ekspres and the KLIA Transit - run between the Kuala Lumpur Sentral station and the airport terminals, with a travel time of around 30 minutes.
During race week, fans can purchase a special ticket which includes the Ekspres train to KLIA and a shuttle bus to the Sepang International Circuit, all on one ticket.
