Full throttle ahead as Sepang gets ready for F1 in next two months

PETALING JAYA: It is just two months away but Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said they would be ready to meet the demands and expectations in hosting the Formula One race.

SIC has been confirmed to play host to the Bahrain Grand Prix from Oct 2-4 due to conflicts in the Middle East.

The race was originally set to take place in April in Bahrain.

Azhan said they would give their best as the hosts as they had done previously.

“As the FIA Grade 1 circuit, we have continued to invest in our facilities, our people, and our operational capabilities to ensure we are ready to deliver an event that meets the highest standards expected of F1,” said Azhan.

“We are delighted that this iconic circuit has the opportunity to once again host the F1 family and play a part in delivering another memorable chapter in the sport’s remarkable history.

The race in SIC will take place between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Sept 24-26) and the Singapore Grand Prix (Oct 9-11).

Max Verstappen was the last winner at SIC, winning the race in 2017, while Lewis Hamilton came in second, followed by Daniel Ricciardo in third.

Azhan said it was an honour to support F1’s unique collaboration between Malaysia and Bahrain.

“For nearly two decades, Sepang became synonymous with F1. It was where unforgettable races were won, legendary rivalries unfolded and generations of fans fell in love with the sport,” he said.

“While F1 has not raced here in recent years, its spirit has never left the circuit.”

SIC had been a regular on the F1 calendar since 1999, but hosted their last Malaysian Grand Prix in 2017.