SEPANG: The return of Formula 1 to Sepang got off to a roaring start after a nine-year hiatus, drawing local and foreign racing enthusiasts for an exhilarating experience.
The opening day of the Bahrain Grand Prix here yesterday offered spectators not only the excitement of the races but also cultural performances and opportunities to create new experiences.
For senior accountant Robert Poh, 38, from Penang, the trip to Sepang with his family was part of their weekend race experience.
He said he drove down with his family of four on Thursday and checked into a hotel in Kuala Lumpur to give them enough time to settle in before watching the action at Sepang the following day.
“My wife and I have been keeping up with the news about F1 for quite some time.
“When we heard it was coming back to Sepang, we knew we had to come down to watch for ourselves,” said the F1 fan.
Aware of the unpredictable weather, Poh said the family came prepared while keeping an eye on weather updates throughout the weekend.
“We know the weather can change very quickly, so we’d rather be prepared than let the rain spoil the experience.”
The first day saw drivers take to the circuit for two free practice sessions, allowing those from several teams to reacquaint themselves with the track after last racing here in 2017.
The sunny and slightly hazy conditions, coupled with the heat and humidity, served as reminders of the physical challenges Sepang posed for the drivers.
Dark rain clouds later in the day threatened the second practice session, adding uncertainty for teams and spectators alike.
However, the rain failed to materialise, much to everyone’s relief.
Meanwhile, the event allowed Filipino Benjamin De Leon Torre and performers from the MassKara Festival to share their hometown tradition built around smiles.
Hailing from Bacolod City in the Philippines, the troupe is renowned for its smiling mask performances, a tradition born out of the adversity the city faced in 1980.
“All the performers were enthusiastic about performing, and they will be participating in activities here throughout the three-day event.
“We had only seen F1 in movies and on television, but it’s now a reality for us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rhys Jones and his wife, Victoria, from Brisbane, Australia, made the trip to Sepang specifically for their first-ever Formula 1 experience.
Jones said they were pleased with their experience, although accessibility around the circuit was a challenge for his wheelchair-bound wife, who has rheumatoid arthritis.
“Everyone’s been very friendly.
“However, it’s not been easy, accessibility-wise.
“But the people have been very warm and welcoming,” he said.
Fans unable to attend the races also received good news yesterday when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) would broadcast the event live.
“I hope the live broadcast will give people across the country the opportunity to experience the thrill of a world-class race from the Sepang International Circuit,” he said in a social media post.
The event, running from Oct 2 to 4, marks Formula 1’s return to Sepang after the circuit last hosted a Grand Prix in 2017.
