By Lloyd Green
- F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix
- Shell Malaysia MotoGP
Buckle up and start your engines for motorsport heaven this October. With the F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix and Shell Malaysia MotoGP both held at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this month, we’ve provided a non-stop guide of what to expect at both events.
The grid coming out of the first corner at Sepang — f1destinations.com
With an exciting cluster of events throughout the race week, including a demo run, auto carnival, fan engagement programmes with the drivers and a spectacular post-race concert, the newly redefined F1 Malaysia GP is not to be missed.
Since its entry to the F1 race calendar in 1999, the Malaysian GP has evolved into the most anticipated races of the year. Moving from it’s traditional home of March to October to form a unique Southeast Asia F1 double-header with the Singapore GP in mid-September, the Malaysian GP now holds a key role in deciding the championship.
Families looking forward to soaking up the thrills at SIC can enjoy an improved family friendly activity at the circuit with the ever popular X-track returning on popular demand, showcasing motorsports themed thrills such as drifting, rallying, go-karting, ATV rides and more, for fans of all ages.
2015 Malaysia GP winner Sebastian Vettel — www.formula1.com
Track:
- The Sepang Circuit is infamous for its unpredictable weather ranging from burning hot days to full-blown tropical rainstorms which result in tough races and edge of your seat moments.
- The track design is unique and challenging as it has seven clear straights and many narrow turns making it one of the most technical circuits on the calendar. The relatively wider track also affords drivers overtaking opportunities that are rarely seen elsewhere.
Schedule:
- Friday, 30th Sept — Free Practice
- Saturday, 1st Oct — Qualifying
- Sunday, 2nd Oct — F1 Malaysia GP After-Race Concert with Usher
Race:
- The dominance by Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team has continued in 2016 with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg dominating standings.
- A win for either driver in Malaysia could prove vital heading into the last five races.
- Defending Malaysian GP champion, Germany’s Sebastian Vettel will be hoping to spoil the party again.
Usher returns to Malaysia for the first time since 2010
Entertainment:
- Multi-Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Usher will be performing at the After-Race Concert.
- Past performers to grace the After-Race stage at Sepang include Jamiroquai and Lenny Kravitz.
- Raceday activities also include classic car convoy, supercar convoy and airshow.
Tickets:
- There are various ticket packages for the F1 Malaysia GP on offer. Click Here
- You can buy a transportation add-on that will take you to and from SIC to KL Sentral.
Great vantage point from Sepang’s iconic stands
Shell Malaysia MotoGP
Held just four weeks later is the Shell Malaysia MotoGP. Fans can expect an even bigger and better event in 2016, with off-track entertainment, fan engagement with riders and other exciting activities. Tickets are selling through the roof with local interest firmly on young gun Khairul Idham Pawi who has won trice in his rookie season in the Moto3 championship. Also flying the Malaysian flag will be Adam Norrodin (Moto3) and Hafizh Syahrin (Moto2).
Track:
- With four slow corners following two long straights and ten medium to high-speed corners. Particularly favourable to overtaking manoeuvres and plenty of open throttle.
- Has one of the longest laps in MotoGP and is made all the more gruelling for riders by intense heat and humidity.
Schedule:
- Friday, 28th Oct — Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP Free Practice
- Saturday, 29th Oct— Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP Qualifying
Sunday, 30th Oct — Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP
All eyes will by on Malaysia’s Khairul Idham Pawi — http://i-moto.com.my/
Tickets:
- There are various ticket packages for the F1 Malaysia GP on offer. Click Here
- You can buy a transportation add-on that will take you to and from SIC to KL Sentral.
Getting to Sepang International Circuit is relatively easy. It’s located about 15km from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA and KLIA2) and about 50km south from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre. SIC has a hotel, shopping centre and golf course. There will also be shuttle buses operating from KL Sentral to Sepang on both Sept 30 to Oct 1 and Oct 28 to Oct 30.
For more information on both events go to www.sepangcircuit.com