The Sepang International Circuit consists of three circuits in one. The main racetrack is 5.542km with the South Track being 2.7km and the North Track 2.8km. The latter was the final one to be completed and hosted its first official race in July 2003.

One of the spectacular features of the circuit is the smooth and sweeping chicane capable of being negotiated at speeds in excess of 200kph. The fastest part of the circuit is the start/finish straight between turn 15 and turn 1.


The track features 15 corners and eight straights with a minimum width of 16m increasing to 25m in some parts, providing many overtaking opportunities. The circuit is covered by 27 closed circuit TV cameras via fibre optic cabling and includes on-line, real time tracking of race cars, combined with electronic marshal posts which will flash coloured lights to the drivers instead of flags.


World champion F1 driver, Michael Schumacher was consulted on the design of the track in his capacity as a member of the Formula One Drivers Safety Commission.
The architecture of the Sepang complex blends modern technology with the Malaysian culture. In total, the track can accommodate some 130,000 spectators, with 30,000 in the unique double-fronted main grandstand whose roof resembles a banana leaf. Tilke introduced the first double frontage grandstand to be built at any racing circuit.


As the track has been built in a stadium-type location, with the track recessed in the valley, all spectators can see at least 50% of the circuit no matter where they sit. The Canopy Tower, nestling at the tip of the V-shaped double grandstand, has a roof similar to the Malaysian national flower, the hibiscus. Seats here give a view of 70% of the track.

The two-storey pit building is one of the largest in the world, housing all the main facilities. There are 30 pits, including 12 offices for the FIA and administration, plus race control, time keeping, media centre and interview room plus photographers' room. There is also a medical centre including a small operating theatre to handle minor surgery.
Resource Material: A1 Grand Prix