F1 fever builds as Malaysia PM Anwar takes pit-lane walk at Sepang

KUALA LUMPUR — Formula 1 fever moved up a gear at the Sepang International Circuit today as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim joined a Pit Lane Walk on the eve of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.

Video and photographs from the event showed Anwar making his way through the busy pit lane as teams carried out final preparations, with mechanics, equipment and activity around the garages offering a close-up glimpse of the race weekend to come.

He was accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari and Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

The Pit Lane Walk gave guests a rare look inside the paddock and garage areas before track action begins from Oct 2 to 4.

This weekend's race marks Formula 1's return to Sepang after a nine-year absence, with the circuit last hosting a world championship round in 2017.

Interest has been strong, with nearly 100,000 tickets sold as of Wednesday (Sept 30) — a record for races held at the circuit, according to Sepang International Circuit chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif. About 3,000 tickets remained available.

More than 200,000 spectators are expected over the three-day event, prompting Kuala Lumpur International Airport to advise racegoers to use public transport because of limited parking and heavier traffic in the area.

The circuit has also undergone final track works ahead of Formula 1's return, including surface levelling to remove irregularities in the asphalt and cleaning operations to improve conditions.

Malaysia is staging the event under the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix banner following an agreement involving Formula 1, the FIA and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.

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