Canopies on the Grandstands. (Sepang Circuit, Malaysia)

Member Name: daseaford

Product:	Sepang Circuit, Malaysia
Date:	18/03/01 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great facilities and racing.

Disadvantages: Unpredictable weather.

Sepang circuit is on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur and is the location of the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

When you think of Malaysia it is not a country that you would expect to be a location for an F1 race on the programme of the Grand Prix world championship events. However, the Sepang circuit has the most magnificent modern facilities with very impressive multi-level grandstands topped with canopies to protect the spectators from the searing sunlight.

The heat is a major factor at this circuit as it is not unusual for temperatures to be in the mid-thirties (degrees Centigrade) and the track temperature to be in the mid-forties. These temperatures make the race very demanding on the drivers and tests their stamina to the full. It is essential for all the drivers to drink as many fluids as possible before the start in order to prevent dehydration during the 90 minute race.

In stark contrast to the heat is when it rains at Sepang. The rain can come down like a monsoon, with very little warning and turn the race track into a swimming pool with cars spinning off all over the place. The rain can stop as quick as it starts, but what makes conditions more difficult is that the rain may only fall on part of the track. This makes the timing of tyre changes and the choice of tyre vital if it does rain.

The circuit is 5.5 Km and the total 56 lap race is 310 Km. The track has almost no gradients and includes two very long straights where speeds are in excess of 180 mph. The track is known as a car breaker and any car with a reliability problem will most probably not see the end of this race.

There are many places for overtaking on this circuit and this often leads to very compelling racing.

The facilities at this circuit are superb, the racing is normally excellent and the weather gives an element of unpredictability, altogether not a race to miss.

Summary: