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      About the circuit

      Petronas Sepang International Circuit

      Specifically built for speed and exciting racing, the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia is one of the world’s best. The 2,300 acre complex which also houses a hotel, shopping centre, golf course and other sports facilities cost around £50m to construct and was built in just 14 months, holding its first Grand Prix in April 1999 and setting the standard for race circuits worldwide.

      With four slow corners following two long straights and ten medium to high-speed corners, the wide track is particularly favourable to overtaking manoeuvres and plenty of open throttle. One of the longest laps in MotoGP is made all the more gruelling for riders by intense heat and humidity. Sepang is located around 50km south of Kuala Lumpur city.

      PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia Track

      Track by category

      Category Laps Total Distance Finish in case of red flag
      MotoGP™ 20 110.86 Km / 68.89 Miles 15
      Moto2™ 17 94.23 Km / 58.55 Miles 13
      Moto3™ 15 83.15 Km / 51.66 Miles 11

      Circuit Specs

      • Total length

        5.54Km / 3.44 Miles

      • Total Width

        16m / 52.49ft

      • Longest Straight

        920m / 3018.37ft

      • Right Corners

        10

      • Left Corners

        5

      The first Malaysian Grand Prix was held at the Shah Alam circuit in 1991 and saw a debut win in the premier class for John Kocinski riding a Yamaha

      Sepang, Malaysia

      In 1999 the brilliant Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpur, designed by respected racetrack architect Hermann Tilke, hosted its first Grand Prix, with the 500cc race won by Kenny Roberts, Jr on a Suzuki. Since then Sepang has been a consistent fixture on the calendar and the circuit has also been extensively used for MotoGP™ preseason testing over the years.
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      Why we love Malaysia


      The Southeast Asian country of Malaysia comprises 13 states and three federal territories stretching across a 330,800km2 landmass in two regions - Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) - which are separated by the South China Sea.

      Peninsular Malaysia borders Thailand, East Malaysia borders Brunei and Indonesia. In this culturally diverse and exotic part of the world, the country is also a maritime neighbour of Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.

      The country is a former British colony and has existed in its present form since 1963, with the population including Malays, Chinese, Indians and further indigenous groups. Malaysia’s rich cultural history means it boasts a wonderful range of cuisines, traditions, architecture and local festivals.

      Finding the right accommodation


      Many large hotel chains have properties in the area nearby the circuit, with prices ranging from as little as US$25 per night in locally owned hotels to US$250 plus per night for five-star hotel accommodation within a few kilometers of the track. Advance reservations are essential to assure a good priced hotel near the circuit on race weekends.

      Malaysia’s superb capital city of Kuala Lumpur offers a vast array of guesthouses, hostels, B&Bs, backpackers or lodges at the cheaper end of the scale, but some of these places are pretty basic. Like in many other parts of the world these days, it is easy to rent an apartment for a weekend in the city.

      Hotels in Kuala Lumpur vary from the very basic, to mid-range en-suite air-conditioned rooms for RM100 (US$32) per night including breakfast, to luxury hotels offering a level of style ranking alongside the best hotels in the world.

      Exploring Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia


      Kuala Lumpur is one of the key cultural, commercial and financial centers of this area of the world. It has a population of around 1.5 million people (7.2 million in the wider metropolitan area), and aspirations to rival Singapore in terms of regional importance.

      Widely referred to as simply 'KL', this is an enchanting city to discover as you soak up the intriguingly diverse Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures, and since the former influence of the British Empire on this striking capital. Make time to visit Little India and Chinatown, the old colonial center around Merdeka Square and the area nicknamed the Golden Triangle in the heart of the downtown district.

      In the countryside surrounding KL, there is easy access for a rainforest experience amongst the elevated treetop walkway of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, whilst a beautiful Hindu shrine can be found at Batu Caves.

      An easy two-hour drive south from KL takes you to Melaka, where the origins of Malay culture can be retraced. On the west coast you will find the interesting city of Georgetown - the original British settlement in Malaysia on Penang Island.

      Over the South China Sea are the East Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. More great beaches, old colonial settlements, the Iban, Kayan and Kenyah longhouses, the Gunung Mulu National Park and the Kelabit Highlands offer additional tropical adventures.

      Tips for visiting Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia


      One of the best things about visiting Malaysia is the country’s superb food - with local Malay origins, plus the fine, fresh products fused principally with Indian and Chinese cookery.

      Try some Malaysian staples such as Nasi lemak (steamed rice, coconut milk, pandan leaves, ikan bilis, peanuts, cucumber, hard boiled eggs and sambal), Mee goreng mamak (yellow noodles, beef or chicken, shrimp, soy sauce, vegetables, eggs and chili) or Laksa (spicy noodle soup in curry form, with fish or prawns) and then go with the flow from there.

      When it comes to general etiquette and dress code the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities have different ground rules, yet they are all tolerant of each other and of respectful visitors from elsewhere in the world.

      Malaysia’s climate is hot and humid all year round, and it is common to experience torrential rainfall preceded and followed by hours of sunshine, so get used to feeling the humidity and warmth. Be prepared to carry layers and a change of clothes in order to stay comfortable.