Malaysian Grand Prix Formula One Race

Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix

The Malaysian Grand Prix has been part of the Formula One World Championship circuit since 1999. It is currently held at the Sepang International Circuit which is situated at Sepang near Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. The circuit is known for its incredibly modern styling and for its temperamental climatic changes. The Sepand International Circuit is 5.54 kilometres (3.44 miles) in length, a distance which is raced 56 times during the course of the race resulting in an overall race length of 310.41 km (192.88 miles). Out of the eight Malaysian Grand Prix races which have been held on the track, Ferrari has won the most with four wins.

At the tracks inaugural event the scene was set for a spectacular comeback from Michael Schumacher who was returning to the sport after sustaining a broken leg earlier that year. He dominated the race and at the last moment handed the victory to his teammate Eddie Irvine. The crowds went wild and it seemed that the decision was final – that was until both Ferraris were disqualified due to a technical irregularity. Suddenly the winner’s cup was placed in the hands of Mika Hakkinen and Ferrari was out of the picture. The racing world was abuzz with controversy and Ferrari was outraged until finally the steward’s decision was over-ruled and the cup was returned to Eddie Irvine.

Things at the Malaysian Grand Prix are often exciting – especially so due to the unpredictable weather patterns which are commonplace in Malaysia. For example, in 2001 a heavy rainstorm suddenly broke out in the middle of the race. Conditions became so bad that both Ferraris in the race spun off at the same corner of the race at almost the same time. Amazingly enough, both recovered to score a first and second in that years race. Thus far the Malaysian Grand Prix has been won by Eddie Irvine, Michael Schumacher (3 times), Ralf Schumacher, Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella. Starting in 2002 the Malaysian Grand Prix has been moved from the end of the schedule to the beginning and it continues to play an interesting role in the world of Formula One racing.