Sepang promises a whole new experience at this year's Formula 1 race

After 10 years of successfully holding the Malaysian leg of the Formula 1 races, the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix is set to enter another decade refreshed, by staging a twilight race at the Sepang International Circuit from April 3-5.

Dubbed the "world's hottest race" for it's unforgiving temperatures and unpredictable weather system, this year's edition will inevitably be a much cooler affair since the 5 lights will only illuminate at 5pm instead of the usual 3pm.

"It is a much cooler race now unlike under the scorching afternoon sun previously. However, the later start which creeps into sunset makes it a different experience than any other race on the calendar and being it the first time, it is definitely a historical event," said SIC Chief Executive Officer Razlan Razali.

What this means for teams and their drivers is that data they accumulated over the years of Sepang's various weather condition and their cars optimal set-ups will not be of much help this year since track-conditions will be cooler and also with the drastic changes in the race regulations.

With the recent global economic crisis striking particularly at the wallets of most of us, SIC does remind us that tickets to the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix are one of the cheapest on the calendar. They have even gone and opened the 'free practice session' on Friday to the public free of charge, a move SIC has done to ensure that the gloomy economic situation does not distant the sport and race fans too much.

"These are times where we are all about to tighten our belts. Realising this, SIC has ensured value for every cent spent on the race weekend," said Razlan.

Some measures introduced to give buyers their money's worth come in the form of the 'value 2+1' ticket purchases and also a very special offer that is only extended to on-line purchases. Tickets that have been purchased through the SIC's website will win two lucky buyers a seat in the F1 Team Fun Kart at the go-kart circuit, while other winners will go on an exclusive bus track tour and even a F1 pit garage tour.

Like there wasn't enough buzz around the Sepang compound already, SIC has gone and organised an autograph session where patrons to the circuit can get up close and personal with their F1 idols. But what most patrons would be looking forward to besides the race itself will undoubtedly be the performance by superstar band, Jamiroquai, who are expected to be belting out their catchy tunes and ending the evening on a high.

Just like in Singapore, there will be support races that start as early as 11 in the morning and last all the way up to the practice, qualifying and race for the Formula 1 grid over the three days.

For more information on ticketing, activities over the race weekend and the track, visit Sepang's official website at www.sepangcircuit.com.