Circuits

In the 1990s Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia's prime minister, declared that by 2020 the country should be a fully industrialised nation. Part of this plan involved the construction of a race circuit - the result was the Sepang International Circuit.

Designed by "the architect of F1", Hermann Tilke, Sepang is considered one of the most technical circuits on the calendar and is a firm favourite with the drivers. The combination of long, high-speed, straights and tight corner complexes were designed with overtaking in mind.

Situated 60km from the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur and close to the city's international airport, the circuit also hosts the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix as well as the A1 GP race.

But the government's early enthusiasm waned and little money was pumped into the venue. Nor has the racing ever attracted more than passing interest from the locals.

Shortly before the 2007 grand prix, Bernie Ecclestone hit out at the facility saying it had become "shabby" and describing it as "an old house that needs a bit of redecorating". Circuit bosses admitted it was in need of $60 million to bring it up to scratch.

The circuit currently has a contract to host the race until 2011 and although the organisers had expressed an interest in making the event a night race, plans have since been dropped.