on the road to kuala lumpur with iman
I've been to Sepang since the inaugural 1999 Malaysian GP which in itself has made me a Formula 1 fan. Last year, I went there not only for the Formula 1 GP but also for other occasion such as MotoGP, Scirocco cup, Sepang 1000km Endurance Race and recent the MotoGP testing.
I've got to admit I used to only like watching Formula 1 to see the cars crash out. The following year my passion for the sport began to develop as I started to learn and understand inside and out about Formula One.
I've got to admit I used to only like watching Formula 1 to see the cars crash out. The following year my passion for the sport began to develop as I started to learn and understand inside and out about Formula One.
WHy Sepang?
It’s my home grand prix and since I’m staying at Kuala Lumpur, it only takes 1 hour drive to reach the circuit. As much I like the venue, I’m not a big fan of the weather. Humid, very hot, I always have migraine at the end of the day! Big sacrifice each time I’m going there for any race event But hey, you still have fun at the same time.
who have i met?
2011 GP will always be my favorite as I was invited to be the guest by Team Lotus. The experience was very new for me as it my first time entering the so called “holy land of formula 1”. Even though no special F1 legends came last year meeting the all the drivers was exciting in itself! During the Saturday qualifying, I didn’t bother to watch the qualifying and instead waited at the press area and wait for the driver who was
‘eliminated’ from the qualifying. Meeting with the team personnel also was very meaningful for me as they are willing to share their experience working with F1 team. However, either Jessica Michibata or Nicole Scherzinger was not there last year, quite disappointed! Haha!
‘eliminated’ from the qualifying. Meeting with the team personnel also was very meaningful for me as they are willing to share their experience working with F1 team. However, either Jessica Michibata or Nicole Scherzinger was not there last year, quite disappointed! Haha!
what are the costs like?
Malaysian GP is one of the cheapest races in the calendar. During the early bid, the organizer will give you 50% discount on most of the grandstand area making it very affordable for any F1 fans in the world.
For the best view, its quite a hard question. Everyone has their favorite preference. For me, I love the Tower 2 grandstand. You can almost see half of the circuit. K1 and Citrine Grandstand is a good choice as well, very windy and I will make sure you will love it, it will make you forget the hot weather of Malaysia.
For the best view, its quite a hard question. Everyone has their favorite preference. For me, I love the Tower 2 grandstand. You can almost see half of the circuit. K1 and Citrine Grandstand is a good choice as well, very windy and I will make sure you will love it, it will make you forget the hot weather of Malaysia.
What advice would you give about attending the sepang circuit?
Firstly, go to the circuit 5 hours before the race starts. At least you will not be stuck in the bad jam during the race day to avoid missing the first lap. On 2010, I missed the first lap due to massive jam 30 minutes before the race. It was very painful for me.
Secondly, if you are staying around Kuala Lumpur during the race day, select your hotel where it’s easy to get public transportation to the circuit. It might cost you a bit but at least it will be helpful for you. If you reach to Kuala Lumpur 2 days before Friday, feel free to check what is happening in the city, there are lots of F1 event including meeting F1 drivers.
As I mentioned the hot weather at Malaysia, bring lots of loose clothes so that you will feel comfortable. Also, drink lots of water. Not only the F1 drivers need it, you need it as well.
Fourthly, Friday session is usually free and using your Grandstand ticket, it will entitle you to enter the pitlane walk after Practice 2. This is the ONLY way for you to enter the pitlane unless you have a paddock club pass.
Secondly, if you are staying around Kuala Lumpur during the race day, select your hotel where it’s easy to get public transportation to the circuit. It might cost you a bit but at least it will be helpful for you. If you reach to Kuala Lumpur 2 days before Friday, feel free to check what is happening in the city, there are lots of F1 event including meeting F1 drivers.
As I mentioned the hot weather at Malaysia, bring lots of loose clothes so that you will feel comfortable. Also, drink lots of water. Not only the F1 drivers need it, you need it as well.
Fourthly, Friday session is usually free and using your Grandstand ticket, it will entitle you to enter the pitlane walk after Practice 2. This is the ONLY way for you to enter the pitlane unless you have a paddock club pass.
2012
I will definitely go again this year. I’m also planning to go to Singapore GP for the first time later this year. God-willing, hope everything will run smooth. For any of you who have any question regarding Malaysian GP, feel free to tweet me @immanf1.