Joanna James
The Sepang Circuit is the only one of its kind in the region and hosts F1 as an annual event. There are many interesting things about the track, out of which, five are given to you below.
According to the Formula One website, the track at Sepang International Circuit is 5.543km in length. It has 10 right-hand corners and 5 others, making up to a total of 15 corners. The minimum width of a corner is 16m while the maximum stands at 22m. There are only four genuine passing spots on the track, at Turns numbers 1, 4, 9, and 15.
For the most popular event of the track, Formula One races, cars travel a total distance of 310km, doing 56 laps. The current record for the fastest lap is held by Juan Pablo Montoya, which is 1:34.223. The record was set in 2004.
As a tourist destination, Malaysia has a number of hotels in Sepang; yet, among the wonderful facilitates they offer, some – like AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort – stand out. Similarly, the Sepang International Circuit has seen and played host to brilliant drivers from across the world. Yet, some, like Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, and Michael Schumacher standout among them.
Each of the three has three victories to their name: Vettel in 2010, 2011 and 2013; Alonso in 2005, 2007, and 2012; and Schumacher in 2000, 2001, and 2004. With Schumacher and Alonso on their team, not to mention Raikkonen, Ferrari is the best performing team at Sepang International Circuit.
Unlike in most other tracks, qualifying on pole position is not mandatory at Sepang International Circuit. However, past records show that it helps. Analysing statistics from 2004 to 2014, the pole-sitter has won the Grand Prix on 6 out of 10 occasions. However, the underdog stands a chance if the weather turns their way. As the distance between the start line and Turn 1 is 660m, if there is a chance of rain, it can definitely turn the game. The ones in the lead are the ones facing the storm head on, thus weather plays a larger part in terms of the championship.
The Circuit is a unique location in that it is built on a swap; a swap that is 260 hectares in area. This nature of the underlying ground has lent to the creation of a unique terrain on the track, with a number of bumps emerging naturally over the years. This adds to the already existing challenge of driving on a track that is more abrasive than usual.
Being a former swamp, it is only natural that wet weather is a frequent visitor to the area. The sunny disposition of the day could take a turn for the worse in a matter of mere hours. In 2009, the race had to be abandoned after 31 laps as the thunderstorms proved to be too dangerous. In 2012, the races were postponed by two hours because the downpour was too heavy.
Built to resemble a hibiscus, the national flower of Malaysia, the Grand Stand has a capacity of 130,000. It is over 1km long and is constructed in such a way that it is in the shade through the entire day.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
