Race Track: Sepang iNternational Circuit
Loaction: Selangor
Raceday: Sunday, 19 March 2006
Time: 1500hrs (+8 GMT)
2005 winner: F Alonso
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n the mid 1990s, Malaysia was undergoing a huge change. Dr Mahathir
Mohamad, Malaysia's Prime Minister was determined that by 2020, the
country would be a fully industrialised nation. The best way to do
this, it was thought, was through the auto trade.
The nation's number one oil company, Petronas, began investing
heavily in Formula One with Sauber, and Malaysia's national car
company, Proton, bought Lotus Engineering. The most extravagant
part of the plan however was the building of a multimedia
'supercorridor', linking Kuala Lumpur's new international airport
with the capital city itself. Mahathir ordered that a Grand Prix
track be constructed too, and not just any track. He wanted to
create a track that would be the envy of the world in terms of its
facilities and technology. What he got was the Sepang International
Circuit, and it did not disappoint.
Designed by Hermann Tilke, Sepang is one of the most technical
circuits in Formula One. The combination of long high-speed
straights, and tight twisting complexes make the track very
complicated, but also perfect for overtaking as the track itself is
very wide. The drivers love it and, along with Malaysia's distinct
atmosphere, it makes for an experience unique in Formula One.
