This discussion page is closed. If you want to discuss going to the Malaysian Grand Prix please go to the new discussion forum here: Going to the Malaysian Grand Prix
Tell us about your experiences of visiting the Sepang International Circuit.
You may wish to include:
- When you visited the track
- Where you watched from
- How easy it was to get to
- How much of the track you could see
- What support races there were
- What you liked and didn’t like
- How much it cost and whether it was good value
Please use the reply box below to leave your comments.
Are you going to the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix? Chat with other F1 fans who are going to the race here: 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix discussion
Anshul Ahuja
11th September 2006, 9:00
We visited the Sepang for F1 2006 race. Had the tickets of Grandstand ‘F’ gold which is located on the other side of the track at the tower end. It covers the track from turn 6 through 11, start finish straight and entry to the pits. It was very easy to get to the track using the Express trains from Sentral to KLIA under the F1 weekend package. There were a couple of support races like Porsche cup challenge race and stuff which we could not attend. The cost was 600 MYR which is about 150 USD for three day entry.
Jimmy Xavier Harrison
31st October 2007, 7:27
Hi I’m Jim from Bristol,..I shall say that this is one of the best track in the world., Malaysia is always the best place to relax and chill.
Unlike the boring Singapore..everything’s just same and plain, lame skycrapers and people in the street. That’s what the so-called unique Singapore was.
While the F-1 is going to kick start in the street of Singapore, its still went the same..cause its already done in Monaco, and it happens in the nite? Owh c’mon don’t tell me that you gonna have to pay more taxes to cover the overall cost just for the lights?..
Bruno
16th January 2008, 8:51
I have been going to Sepang for the past 8 years and never been disapointed… We would usually get a group of 4-5 friends drive up from singapore on Friday or Saturday night – Stop by Mallaca – or straight to KL. check in our hotel and party the night away… Drive from downtown KL on Sunday to the ciruit ( It takes about an hour if you’re early.. or 3 if you leave after 11.00am ) The car park has improved every year and it’s now a breeze to drive in & out of the circuit. The frst year it took us almost 3hrs just to get out of the Field-carpark- but now you can be on the Highway within 45 mn.
The first time we went there we sat on open stands at turn 14 ( now non-existant) no shelter, bloody hot, but right on the restart to the grandstand straight. ( Great accelerations views) the year after I took the open field at turn 8. Still no shelter and we melted under our umbrellas that’s when I decided that every other year we will get the covered open area @ turn 10/11 and that’s where we’ve been every year since. Beautiful track, great people in Malaysia and the best atmosphere in downtown Kuala-Lumpur on Saturday night.
See you all in Singapore on 28th Sept
Bruno
JB FAN
4th November 2008, 14:59
Malaysia 2009
I’m hoping to attend Malaysia in 2009 – can anyone give me any advice on where is best to sit to get a good view – point about covered grandstand well taken – thank you. Any other good tips about getting from KL to the circuit gladly welcomed.
Tom
14th November 2008, 2:43
JB, I have been to malaysia over the last couple of years!! last year i sat in F platinum which like mentioned before is an awesome stand!! if you get the seats on the far right of the stand you can witness 3/4 of a lap!!! in 09 where sittin in K Platinum, on turn 1 and 2… had a look at these during the moto gp and they looked great!! can see the hole straight and the first 3 corners!!! in general these are a bit more expensive but overall a great cheap race to attend!!!
Matt
19th December 2008, 10:51
I went to the very first race in 1999. My seats were by the end of the hairpin/start of the pit straight, so you got to hear the drivers flooring their V10s out of the hairpin to get good drive onto the straight. Fantastic.
I also remember Olivier Panis pulling over in the pit lane entry with an engine failure, and Villeneuve spinning off at the fast turn 6. And the crushing disappointment of not seeing Damon Hill make the first lap of the race, looking for his car forlornly as the rest of the field raced by.
The facilities were very good, seeing as it was the very first race, and sitting in the main grandstand. Sitting in the shade was such a relief, as it got up to 36 C. There was also a big screen nearby, so I could follow the race. I can’t really fault my experience at the track, it was such a great weekend.
kajal
22nd January 2009, 11:05
where was the race held?
Brian
20th February 2009, 13:39
Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia!
triad911
23rd March 2009, 18:22
I have been going to Sepang since 2006. I always take the pit grand stand “JADE” but last year I got “EMERALD”. With all the changes this season, it’s gonna be one hell of a race.
Alvin K
3rd April 2009, 1:18
I live in KL and always get free tickets but I think I won’t attend anymore races as I can get the “actual” race results (which is the correct one) from the race stewards about a week after..saves money, time, effort and hair (since I don’t have to pull out mine)..
lavanya sinniah
24th March 2010, 4:01
hey dude,
since u have free tickets n not using them, maybe u wanna consider givin it to me ? hahahaha .. im goin there all by myself from jb.. very ardent fan of Lewis :) but have not got the tickets yet… any links where i can get a cheap ticket ?
Ridhuan
4th November 2009, 17:24
I’m a Malaysian but had never watched live F1 race in Sepang or any other tracks live yet. I’ve been on the track on 2005 MotoGP race and it was great because the ticket was not numbered and I can seat at any empty seat around the Mall area so I keep moving around from this side to the other side to have the best view of the race. I’m trying to be there again for F1, MotoGP and SuperGT. I believe the best view is at the F Grandstand because that is the place where you can see most of the track.
Dave Langdown
8th March 2010, 4:01
I am making my first Sepang visit and from what i read, F platinum sounds good ?
However on going to book i see that “online booking” has closed and living in Southern Thailand ( from Aust) i am now wondering if i will be able to get a seat in stand F or even stand K, will my journey to KL arriving on 2nd be a waste of time.
Please , someone who knows let me know !
Ridhuan
8th March 2010, 4:26
Hi Dave,
I’ve checked the ticket booking site and seats for F and K1 stands are still available. The price are RM600 for F and RM800 for K1. Both stands are probably the best on the track. Visit this page http://www.malaysiangp.com.my/eticket/f1/index-gs.html to check for your tickets. You can stay in KL probably around Hilton which is closest to KL Central Station and from there you can take ERL to the track.
Dave Langdown
8th March 2010, 8:29
Thanks for that mate, you made my day. I am now booked Stand F block M.
I am already booked into the Swiss Garden Hotel and believe its fairly central.
julie milne
20th June 2010, 0:07
Dave, Langdown
hi, want to book for 2011 Malaysian gp, interested to know did you find Swiss Garden hotel to be good location and how did you get to Sepang circuit from there? Also would you recommend Stand F tickets worth getting for good viewing of race? thanks for any info you can pass on.
Davetherave
20th June 2010, 6:04
Hi Julie Milne,
This was my first trip to Malaysian GP and it was fantastic. I always use and recommend SWISS GARDEN HOTEL. Its close to shops and restaurants etc,been there 5 times now. We caught taxi to circuit for the 3 days, but met some locally living ex-pats who took us home each day. They are local Go Cart fans and were there supporting the one girl driver in the Formula BMW Pacific race, sadly she was ‘taken out’ at qualifying and her car had to be rebuilt overnight, she drove well but was ‘up against it’ so i am looking out for her next year.
Now for seating…….definately go for F Stand, its perfect with several corners to be seen. My seat was
F block Platinum. Block M row U. No., 13. It was exciting to watch Hamilton weaving several times to stop Petrov from overtaking as they sped away up the long straight from us…..naughty boy Lewis ! but i guess if you drive for McClaren you can get away with anything !lolololol. I am aussie so Webber is my man. I have to warn you, it gets hot in Malaysia at this time, so don’t do as my mate and forget to take a towel (sweat rag). Good luck and enjoy it, i hope to get the same seat next year.
David L.
Jit
14th December 2010, 12:56
Hey,
I was looking into purchasing F stand tickets. Was there a TV Screen to keep up with the race from the stands? Is there a shelter over the grand stand? Could you see down the main straight as well?
Chris K
14th December 2010, 17:21
Hi,
Yes to all 3, there is a TV, the stands are covered and you see the front and back straight. Like others have mentioned block M has the best views and if you plan on taking pictures sit higher so the fence will no be in your view (I also figure if you sit higher you would be more shielded from rain and sun).
Here is a couple youtube videos I found that show the view from grandstand F:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt94Hmfx35Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPpYhTXqvUk
Darren from UK
3rd November 2010, 11:28
Hi all,
I am looking to go to the Malaysian race next year, and looking into the K1 Grandstand. Does anyone know if the tickets also includes general admission to any of the hillstands, or do you have to purchase a seperate ticket?
I guess £6 on the early bird offer isnt too bad if it isn’t included! :)
thanks
Darren
Davetgerave
4th November 2010, 2:37
HI Darren, I recommend Stand f Block M . this was mine 2010 and will go there again. But be warned take a towel as humidity is very very high !
Chris K
7th December 2010, 9:05
In stand F block M is it better to sit low in row A or high in row Y for snapping pictures?
belleny
26th December 2010, 8:13
can somebody explain to me about the seats at Main Grandstand (Ruby), K1 Grandstand and the F Grandstand prons n cons. because im still considering to buy my first F1 live ticket…
Andy Price
14th April 2011, 22:03
I was supposed to be going to Bahrain but the political situation meant that the race had to be cancelled. I got my money back for the hotel and race ticket but because of the type of flight ticket I could not get a refund, and insurance does not cover civil unrest. Eventually KLM agreed to give me credit against another flight before the end of April, so Malaysia it was.
I flew from Glasgow to Amsterdam and then overnight to Kuala Lumpur arriving mid afternoon Friday (8th April). The flight was 11 ½ hours, but the food and movies were okay and we arrived on time. There were two huge queues for immigration and, having been to the USA several times, I feared that it would take a long time to get through, but there were a lot of staff and it went quickly. I changed currency, bought rail tickets to KL, a local SIM card (to stay in touch with home) and was on the train within an hour of touching down. The train took me to KL Sentral from where I got a taxi to the hotel. I had read some warnings about the taxis but there is a booth where you can buy a prepaid ticket and it worked out great.
I was staying at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, booked through F1 Travel, it was a good deal and really luxurious.
I was up sharp on Saturday and took a taxi back to KL Sentral. I bought a two day travel ticket, RM90 (about £18/$27) to get to the circuit which is specifically for F1 fans. The train (KL Transit) took me back to the airport where we all transferred to a coach and which took us the few miles to the circuit where I collected my ticket. One thing – they do not allow you to take any food or drink into the circuit and that includes water! Don’t be fooled by the dozens of vendors selling cold drinks a few yards before the security check!
There is plenty of choice for food including fish & chips, hot dogs, fried rice and octopus balls! The prices were okay bearing in mind the rip offs at some events – £4 for a roll with coleslaw or fish and chips, £1 for a bottle of water or fruit juice.
I was sitting in Garnet which is on the opposite side to the pit complex but nearer the start of the straight – about row 6 on the grid. I managed to move about the Mall area and get access to various spots to take pictures without any difficulty. Getting onto the top level of the Tower, which overlooks the last corner and pit entry, was tricky but the staff got bored and it was possible to slip up the stairs. It was great to see the cars braking for the last corner and many of them locked the front inside wheel. It was a great place to take to take pictures but it was hard to keep track of who was where during qualifying. I thought that the Red Bulls and McLarens looked slow taking that corner but as the grid positions showed they were anything but slow. The Force Indias’, by contrast, looked fast and furious, but were off the pace. Massa looked much better that Alonso.
Traffic was pretty chaotic getting out of the circuit but I was back in KL inside two hours.
On race the drivers were due to appear at the main entrance to the circuit to sign autographs between 12 and 1pm. Firstly, the organisers need to reconsider using this location as it virtually blocked the entry to the circuit and the thousands of fans had to squeeze through the very narrow gap that was left. Apparently some people had been in the autograph queue for over three hours! Trying to get photos of the drivers was not easy – as soon as a vehicle arrived thousands of phones and cameras went up. Many of those present clearly don’t follow F1 closely as the teams PR people appeared to be popular subjects! I managed a couple of pictures. Schumacher, Vettel, Massa, Button and Hamilton were good with the crowd but from what I saw the rest did not really interact very much. I also noted that almost every team’s drivers arrived in the same vehicles, except for Vettel and Webber.
Race day was hot and overcast with rain looking highly probable. My seat allowed me a good view of what was happening on the grid but I moved to the back so I could get some pictures without the safety fence in the way. I also noticed that the security staff were not as vigilant as they had been the previous day. Once you were inside your section of the stand there was no one stopping you moving to the upper level (as there had been during qualifying) and it was possible to get along towards the dearer seats on the lower level. As long as you were prepared to stand there was no problem. After the start I moved to the upper level and was able to see more of the circuit, including turns 10 and 11. The circuit screens were okay but it was really hard to read the drivers positions and the circuit commentary was inaudible. I could not find the Kangaroo Stand (should that now be Fan TV?) and only saw two people using them and which they had previously bought. I missed listening to ‘Crofty’.
I got in position almost opposite the podium at the end of the race and was able to catch some pictures of the drivers parking and the podium presentation.
Getting the shuttle bus to leave the circuit was well organised but the traffic was horrendous and it took almost two hours to get to the airport – could have walked if only I had the energy (and knew the way)!
You all know the story of the race, if you watched on TV you would have known much better than those at the circuit, but that is always the way of it. You just cannot beat the atmosphere of being at the race and I can watch the race when I get home.
I spent the next day in Kuala Lumpur seeing some of the sights and it is a nice place. It was a long way to travel for such a short time, but I loved it and yes, I would do it again.
Journeyer (@journeyer)
26th July 2011, 6:14
I went to Sepang in 2009, and it was a BLAST.
I even wrote a whole article about it! Check it out here: http://sidepodcast.com/post/a-view-of-sepang
EternalSunshine (@eternalsunshine)
1st November 2011, 8:53
Great article! I’m thinking of going next year. I just have a few questions:
– Which grandstand were you seated? Is this the Diamond Grandstand? Would you know if staying in the Crystal Grandstand have the same experience as Diamond?
– Also, are the mandatory autograph sessions just for a specific grandstand? Or is this open to all ticket holders?
David Langdown
1st November 2011, 9:02
Highly recommend Stand F. Block M. Undercover and perfect views 4 parts of the circuit.
But dont forget your sweat towel, the humidity is very high !
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
9th December 2011, 13:28
This discussion page is closed. If you want to discuss going to the Malaysian Grand Prix please go to the new discussion forum here: Going to the Malaysian Grand Prix