NTV7 will be broadcasting all 19 F1 races this year right into your homes, starting with the Bahrain race this weekend.

 

This will be the second time NTV7 is named as host broadcast in the last 12 years since Malaysia hosted F1 in 1999 in SIC.

 

“We are proud to work with NTV7 again this year as the host broadcast of the 2010 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix. The station will not only give Malaysians a chance to catch the live telecast of the races held overseas but it would also give the local fans who are unable to make it to the SIC for the Malaysian leg of the 2010 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix to catch a glimpse of the fun that’s going to happen here,” said SIC CEO, Razlan Razali at the announcement.

 

And just for the Malaysian round, NTV7 will have its very own Grandstand that will be hosted by Joanne De Rozario and Adam C, recapping on the previous race, updating viewers on the current standings and latest developments, 30 minutes before and after the race itself.

 

SIC is the first of the modern race circuits designed to challenge man and machine and provide spectators with the very best facilities and service which would enhance their Formula One experience.

 

Unlike 2009, this year’s race in Sepang would start at 4pm. This marks the second time that FIA had changed the starting time of the race. Last year, in a bid to provide better viewing times for the European market, the race was started at 5pm instead of the traditional 3pm.

 

The race, however, was spoiled by a tropical rainstorm, which forced the race to be red-flagged mid-way through the contest. It was eventually called off on safety reasons due to failing light as darkness became to creep in; giving Jenson Button the race win but with points scored cut in half.

 

The 4pm start will give TV audience in Europe a better viewing schedule compared to the usual 3pm start, while the competing teams and drivers would be enjoying cooler temperatures and ample light.

 

To promote the 2010 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix, SIC has embarked on an aggressive ‘I Love F1’ campaign, which is aim to promote greater interest among the Malaysian public and fans worldwide for the sports.

 

This year, the 2010 Formula 1 world championship will be even more interesting as it marks the debut of our own team, Team 1Malaysia Lotus F1.

 

The 2010 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix has also drawn greater interest among Malaysians with national petroleum company, PETRONAS shifting their support for the new Mercedes GP. The Mercedes GP Petronas team is perhaps one of the most eagerly anticipated team for Formula One fans worldwide as it marks the return of the legendary Michael Schumacher to the championship.

 

Schumacher will also be joined by three other world champions, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso in their quest for this year’s championship.

But the biggest buzz in the team entry list in Malaysia is the return of Team Lotus into the sport, backed by Malaysia’s very own low-cost company: Tune.com. With Jarno Trulli, Heikki Kovalainen as drivers, and Malaysia’s own Fairuz Fauzy as test driver, the “Malaysian” team will hopefully have some home ground advantage in Sepang.

 

Injecting fresh blood into the sport are five enormously talented new drivers like Nico Hulkenberg, Vitaly Petrov, Bruno Senna, Jose Maria Lopez and Lucas di Grassi.

The Sepang International Circuit features 15 corners and 8 straights including two high-speed stretches. With a minimum width of 16 meters, the track allows ample opportunities for overtaking, ensuring a suspenseful and thrilling race. The widest part of the track spreads up to 22 meters.

 

Its 1.3 km long double frontage grandstand affords a view of the circuit’s longest straight. The grandstand is constructed along the east-west alignment to ensure shade from the sun’s glare at all times.

 

The Malaysian round of the championship is believed to be the real start of the championship battle for the world crown, as the teams would be better acquainted with their machines by the third round. With the new no-refueling regulation enforced, the team will be spending the first two rounds getting used to their machines, especially with the new features which the cars will have.

 

The Sepang International Circuit has been widely acknowledged as one of the most challenging tracks for the teams and drivers with its challenging weather and the demanding 5.543-km circuit.

 

“The Malaysian GP has always been the most eagerly awaited round by the teams and drivers, as the tracks require the drivers to fully engage their skills and experience due to the challenging weather and humidity. It is the most challenging track of the season, it’s not only different from other circuits but we could also say it’s the most extreme” says Razlan.

 

The 2009 race in Sepang was won by Brawn GP's Jenson Button in a 'crazy' rain-shortened race, with just 32 laps completed and only half points awarded.  The first F1 race was in 1999 won by Eddie Irvine under Ferrari.

 

Prior to the race, members of the public can view the Classic F1 Racing cars at seven static displays; two at KLIA and five at Pavilion. These cars will also be at the circuit during race weekend.

 

The Classic F1 Cars are the actual racing cars from the 1970s- 1990s of various makes and teams. We will be showcasing Lotus, Tyrells, Dallara, Ensign, March and Benetton.

 

Fans can also catch some of the drivers at the driver’s autograph session planned on race day. Right before the race there will be an Air Display by Royal Malaysia Air Force which will be followed by 300 plus B-Boys dancers performing on the hot tarmac.

These performers made out of various races that represent our country were auditioned and it showcases our unity as 1 Malaysia.

 

And for the first time ever in the Malaysian F1 history is the Children's Pit Walk which is free on Friday with access to pit walk if you bring children on that day.

 

Just like what we have last year, this year we are organizing the 2010 MALAYSIAN GRAND PRIX CONCERT to keep fans entertained and add more value to your money. This time we have taken it one step further by giving the F1 fans not just 1 but 2 world famous artists; Wyclef Jean and Fatboy Slim. More than 25,000 are expected to be there.

 

Apart from F1, SIC also plays host to other international races such as MotoGP and Super GT, and internationally recognized local (Malaysian) races such as the Sepang 1000km endurance race and Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race.