Go, speed racer, go

For almost a decade, Formula One races have been more than a total speed thrill. Spectators get a kick from “Chasing Cars,” like the Snow Patrol song. Plus, you get to hear the sonic boom from the speed of sound, watch rival teams reach pole position and, of course, see the champagne supernovas during the awards ceremony.

Since Michael Schumacher (my favorite F1 driver from Ferrari and seven-time world champion), retired already, Formula One has never been this exciting — drivers are now in new teams with better cars, and the race to the finish is more challenging than ever. Go, Lewis Hamilton!

Recently, the F1 fever gripped Manila with the Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix launch party at Embassy Super Club. Amazing Race stars Rovilson and Vanessa hosted the event. Filipino fans can finally be part of the F1 action by flying over to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 21 to 23 for the Sepang International Circuit.

“We are truly excited to launch the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix this year because we are celebrating our 10th year hosting a race for the world’s most glamorous racing series,” says Dato Azmi Murad, general manager of Sepang International Circuit. “The Malaysian GP has always been the race eagerly awaited by the teams and drivers as they prepare themselves for challenging weather and humidity.”

Dig this, Petronas Malyasia GP has a 5.543-km circuit. With a unique three-in-one racing circuit, it was designed specifically for the needs and demands of Formula One racing. The Sepang Circuit has become the inspiration behind the construction of new racing circuits around the world.

Mika Hakkinen, the Flying Finn and Michael Schumacher’s toughest rival was the first to test the Sepang Circuit back in 1999. He gave the cool, new track the thumbs up and praised the track design by German designer Herman Tilke.

That same year, Hakkinen together with 21 drivers were on the starting grid for the first ever Formula One race in Asia outside Japan. He also finished among the top three podium winners that included Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine, winner of Pertronas Malaysian GP.

With Malaysia’s success story in hosting the F1 circuit, it inspired other Asian nations to join the cue as Sepang opened the way for China, Bahrain and Singapore.

Thankfully, us Pinoys can get to have the F1 experience as we can fly to Kuala Lumpur with more flights from Malaysian Airlines, Air Asia and Cebu Pacific. During the race weekend, there will be a lot of events organized to target a record turnout of 125,000 spectators with 50,000 foreigners.

Azmi adds, “It will be more than just an event for us. We aim to make a big impact in all aspects.” Expect KL to be a city of festivals for the event with concerts, parties, shopping sales and carnivals. So, there will be a huge impact on Malaysia’s Tourism industry, which will be felt by hotels, restaurants, shopping outlets and even malls.

To spice up the race season, there will be four support races as well like the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, Formula BMW Asia, Speedcar Series and GP2 Asia. Oh, what a treat and value for money — five races in one weekend.

“This event will not only provide long-term benefits to tourism but also help us in our effort to turn Malaysia into a regional hub for motor sports,” says Dato Mirza Taiyab, director general of Tourism Malaysia. “Since the Philippines and Malaysia are neighbors, there will be a lot of experiences to be shared between both countries.”

Like the adrenaline rush of watching super-fast cars.