MARCH 15, 1999

Malaysia unveils Sepang race track

SEVERAL members of the Formula 1 circus stopped off in Malaysia on the way back to Europe from Australia to be present at the official launch of the Sepang International Circuit.

SEVERAL members of the Formula 1 circus stopped off in Malaysia on the way back to Europe from Australia to be present at the official launch of the Sepang International Circuit. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad - who championed the policy of using F1 to promote Malaysian industry - opened the track, which has cost $75m to build. It is located next to the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Both World Champion Mika Hakkinen and Melbourne winner Eddie Irvine were present for the festivities and Hakkinen demonstrated a McLaren-Mercedes F1 car for the locals. The first major event at the new circuit will be the World Motorcycle Championship next month. Grand Prix racing is due to arrive in October.