Need for Speed at the Malaysian 2007 Grand Prix

The 2007 Formula 1 Grand Prix season started offthat Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia have to offer.
with a bang this year. The second racing event in theThis year's race saw Fernando Alonso crossing the
circuit was enjoyed in Kuala Lumpur as Malaysiafinish line first for the McLaren-Mercedes racing team,
hosted the 2007 Grand Prix at its Sepangand hot new rookie Lewis Hamilton, whose debut in
International Circuit course during the first weekend inthe Australian Grand Prix in March 2007 saw him
April.taking third, followed Alonso across the line to finish
Included in the Grand Prix Formula One Racingsecond in an exciting, heart-stopping race that had
Championship in 1999, the Malaysia circuit, hosted atcrowds at Sepang on their feet.
the Sepang racecourse near Kuala Lumpur, is fastThe roar of engines and the smell of hot rubber and
becoming one of the most popular events in thatwarm asphalt drifted over the thousands who came
part of Asia. Since their first year in the F1 racingto witness the exciting race, which saw Alonso
circuit, the Malaysian course has offered drasticmaintaining an almost nine second lead over Hamilton
changes in weather to challenge F1 drivers, as well asthe later half of the race as onlookers watched with
a 56-lap, 5.54 km racecourse filled with hair-raisingwide-eyed excitement and cheered for the efforts
turns and straight-aways that beg for speed.of other racers, including Kimi Raikkonen, who finished
The Sepang racecourse, built in 1998, has becomethird for Ferrari.
the guiding design of subsequent F1 racetracksAfter Australia, the F1 site at Kuala Lumpur offered
around the world, and has led the way to offering aracing fans not only a drastic change in temperature,
major global event that attracts thousands of visitorsbut sights as well. Malaysia, offering a quaint
every year to this exotic country filled with charm,combination of modern amenities and architecture
grace and history. Sepang is known to be one of thewith simple Asian charm, provided domestic and
most technical circuits in the Grand Prix circuit, and itsglobal visitors with a different view of the world as
combinations of tight turns and straight-aways makeseen by Malaysians. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur
it one of the most exciting courses for both driverswelcomed global visitors to the event with open
and spectators.arms and tasty treats that delights the palate.
The racetrack, a mere 3.5 kilometers from the NewKeep an eye on the McLaren-Mercedes racing team
Kuala Lumpur International Airport, is easily accessiblecomprising of Alonso and the rookie fast making a
by taxi and can be reached within a ten minute drive.name for himself in the F1 world, Lewis Hamilton, in
Shuttle services also transport passengers back andupcomin Grand Prix as both give fellow racers a fast,
forth as well, but most visitors opt to stay at least aexciting run for their money.
few days to enjoy the atmosphere and amenities