Sepang Race Circuit

The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is the venue used for the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix, A1 Grand Prix as well as the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The circuit was designed by renowned German designer Hermann Tilke, who would subsequently design the impressive new facilities in Shanghai, Bahrain and Turkey.

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

Facilities here are limited which does put some race lovers off visiting the arena. It is one of the better designs though form a drivers point of view.

Sepang’s first ever F1 race in ’99 was its most memorable, as Michael Schumacher made a remarkable comeback after three months on the sidelines with a broken leg.

He took pole position and dominated until handing victory to his title-chasing team-mate Eddie Irvine.

Highlights of subsequent years included Kimi Raikkonen’s maiden win in 2003 and Jenson Button’s long-awaited first podium the following season.