Sepang Circuit in Need of a House Cleaning
Sunday April 8, 2007
When it was inaugurated in 1999 the Sepang International Circuit, which hosted a hugely successful Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday, was the finest circuit in Formula 1. It was a kind of "wonder of the racing world." Although the Sepang track itself remains excellent, the rest of the circuit facilities have since been surpassed by several other circuits: Shanghai, Istanbul, and the site of next week's race, the Bahrain circuit.
The Malaysians did a great job of organizing this race, and the transportation to and from the track from Kuala Lumpur is very well done, along with a system of shuttles at the track and nearby airport. On the other hand, for a state of the art circuit, it now unfortunately has the feeling of having been left to rot when not in use. The roads around the circuit, the lanes in the paddock and the team facilities, it all has the feeling of having not been touched for a decade - except perhaps by the ravages of tropical storms.
I noticed this instantly upon arriving at the track. But I wasn't the only one. Bernie Ecclestone, the sport's promoter was quoted in a local newspaper saying: "They did such a fantastic job when it first started, but now it has become, if you don't mind, like an old house that needs a bit of redecorating. It's a difficult place to maintain, as it's very big. It's starting to get a little shabby and looks a bit tired."
Comments
A fasinating and fantastic race. shame about the circuit Drivers have enough hazzards to contend with, without sand blowing in all directons. There is often talk about clsoing a circuit down and Bahrain would be top of my list. So shabby, so ‘unlived’ in, and what was missing for me the most was… people. Somehow ( and of course I am only watching the race via TV) it seemed to lack the F1 atmosphere that us fans come to expect.
Three drivers on 22 points and only three races into the season. Hamilton surely has to be the one to watch.
Can’t wait for the next in Barcelona.
Rita, actually Bahrain is better than Sepang, in my opinion. The post was about Sepang, in Malaysia. Bahrain is very well kept up. Yes, it’s very problematic in terms of getting enough spectators out there to watch. But who knows, maybe that will grow over time… The Mideast is really developing its motor racing industry quickly.
Yes, I can’t wait for Barcelona too. But how is the Hamilton show going to go on Alonso’s home ground!?!?!
I’ve been to 4 Malaysian GP’s since 2001. It is obvious that Sepang has been pooly maintained and is looking very shabby now. I suspect that apart from the F1 and MotoGP it is rarely used, and is left unattended and uncared for most of the time. I also noticed that there was no air display this year either. In fact their was very little in the way of support events, or other entertainment, at Sepang and the circuit itself does lack atmosphere.
Nice Work, but I’m going to stick with the window cleaning, power washing and gutter cleaning service in Southern California.