Malaysia is one of the newest Grand Prix fixtures as a part of the Formula One World Championship. The wonderfully equipped modern Sepang International Circuit was made a part of the World Formula One
Together with a great crowd, great environment and much fanfare, Malaysia hosts a Grand Prix that is held in a festive mood. Malaysian Grand Prix is noted not only for the great degree of following that it attracts, but due to the extreme unpredictability of the weather as well. The 2001 championship, for example, was badly affected by a rainstorm that struck right in the middle of the race, dislodging both the Ferraris with Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello behind the wheels.
In the beginning, Malaysia featured towards the end of the FIA schedule for each season. However, since 2001, it has been shifted towards the early part of the racing calendar. There were certain rows over the condition of the Sepang International Circuit in 2007, following a statement by Bernie Ecclestone that pointed at the unsuitability of the venue, following an offer extended to the Malaysian government by FOM to host the Grand Prix till 2015.
