| The Sepang International Circuit on the outskirts of the Malaysian capital opened in 1999 to host the Malaysian round of the FIA Formula One World Championship. A modern-day motor racing classic, the 5.5km circuit comprises 15 corners and eight straights with a width of up to 25m in places, which provides many overtaking opportunities.
Designed by renowned circuit constructor Hermann Tilke in consultation with seven-times Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher, the state-of-the-art circuit was built on a 260 hectare former palm oil plantation near to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The race will be one of the toughest of the year for drivers as the hot, exceptionally humid weather saps strength and stamina, putting an emphasis on driver fitness.
“Sepang will be a tough race for drivers, but I’m confident it will be very smooth running for A1GP,” A1GP chief operating executive David Clare said, “This is the second time we have been to the circuit so we will be up to speed straight away. So far, as a series, we’ve had to learn as we’ve been going along visiting new circuits, but at Sepang we can really consolidate our experience and show how far we’ve come.”
Last year’s A1GP races were welcomed by an enthusiastic Malaysian crowd, who were delighted to see their team finish eighth in the Sprint race and fifth in the Feature race. This year, buoyed by Malaysia’s double win in Brno, expectations of the home team are high, “Last year we had a small but enthusiastic crowd, this year we expect a big and enthusiastic crowd. For any driver it’s a great thrill to race in front of your home crowd,” Malaysia’s lead driver Alex Yoong commented, “Sepang is a good mix of fast and slow corners and all drivers I know really enjoy driving it. No team has ever won its home race, and we look forward to changing that, so the more people we have the better.”
Currently fifth, only seven points off leaders Mexico, a strong result in Sepang could catapult Malaysia to the top of the series’ standings. A1 Team Mexico will, however be looking to consolidate their consistent performance this season, “It’s been an outstanding season for us so far,” added driver Salvador Duran, “We knew we had learnt a lot since last year, but to have already achieved three podiums in six races is beyond our expectations, particularly with the series being so competitive this year. Of course, we’re now putting ourselves under even more pressure – the only thing we haven’t achieved is our first win this season!”
The weekend’s racing action kicks off with the rookie driver and developing nations’ session on Friday 24 November from 11am to 12 noon. All teams can take part in the later practice session from 2pm to 3pm. Final practice and qualifying for the Sprint race will take place on Saturday, with the Sprint and Feature races scheduled for Sunday 26 November at 11am and 3pm respectively.
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