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Malaysian GP circuit guide
Round 17: 22 October
Malaysia's debut last year was a success for the circuit but something of an embarrassment for Formula One's authorities.
The drivers were impressed with the circuit while facilities for spectators and the media proved second to none.
But controversy over Ferrari's illegal deflector boards gave the sport's governors a major headache following the event.
Circuit facts |
Lap length: 3.464m (5.542km)
Race length: 55 laps
Total distance: 190.52 miles
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Eddie Irvine won the race, followed home by Michael Schumacher, who performed the sort of team-mate's role often seen in other sports but rarely in F1.
Like an unsung midfielder in a top football team or a hardworking domestique in cycling, the German did everything he could to give Irvine a best possible shot at the title.
First Schumacher won pole at his first race since breaking his leg at Silverstone.
Like an unsung midfielder in a top football team or a hardworking domestique in cycling, the German did everything he could to give Irvine a best possible shot at the title.
First Schumacher won pole at his first race since breaking his leg at Silverstone.
Form guide |
Fond memories: Irvine's win last year became a bitter-sweet affair for a time
Must do better: McLaren were outfoxed by Ferrari
Look out for: The giant spectacular grandstand by the pits
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And Ferrari's race strategy was faultless as the German made do with one pit stop - while Irvine took two new sets of tyres.
It left Ferrari's options open on an unknown circuit, and when Schumacher found himself ahead of Irvine in the last three laps he waved the Briton through to take the victory.
It was not the first time in 1999 that Ferrari's race plan had been magnificent.
But the team were then forced to go and win this Grand Prix all over again - in a Paris courtroom.
Three hours after the result they were disqualified for an infringement of the rules on aerodynamics.
It left Ferrari's options open on an unknown circuit, and when Schumacher found himself ahead of Irvine in the last three laps he waved the Briton through to take the victory.
It was not the first time in 1999 that Ferrari's race plan had been magnificent.
But the team were then forced to go and win this Grand Prix all over again - in a Paris courtroom.
Three hours after the result they were disqualified for an infringement of the rules on aerodynamics.
1999 result |
1. Eddie Irvine, Ferrari
2. Michael Schumacher, Ferrari
3. Mika Hakkinen, McLaren
4. Johnny Herbert, Stewart
5. Rubens Barrichello, Stewart
6. Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Jordan
|
The ruling handed the race win and the title to Mika Hakkinen, and gave plenty of ammunition to F1's critics.
A highly-charged atmosphere surrounded Ferraris' subsequent appeal but their victory ensured the final race at Suzuka would decide the championship.
It is to be hoped that something similar does not occur this year when Malaysia is the final event - since the title really will have to be decided after the event.
But more likely is a thrilling event with the eyes of world sport on the Sepang circuit as the title is decided there to the delight of the Malaysian government.
Last year the powers-that-be stuck with the event despite economic troubles and politicial unrest and were rewarded with an event whose only problems were completely out of their control.
The circuit reflects the £70m spent on giving the country world class facility with a futuristic V-shaped grandstand seating as many people as Wembley stadium.
A highly-charged atmosphere surrounded Ferraris' subsequent appeal but their victory ensured the final race at Suzuka would decide the championship.
It is to be hoped that something similar does not occur this year when Malaysia is the final event - since the title really will have to be decided after the event.
But more likely is a thrilling event with the eyes of world sport on the Sepang circuit as the title is decided there to the delight of the Malaysian government.
Last year the powers-that-be stuck with the event despite economic troubles and politicial unrest and were rewarded with an event whose only problems were completely out of their control.
The circuit reflects the £70m spent on giving the country world class facility with a futuristic V-shaped grandstand seating as many people as Wembley stadium.
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