Sepang made a big impression when it joined the F1 calendar in 1999. The drivers loved the wide-open spaces and the sweeping corners, while facilities were second to none. The '99 race saw one of the biggest controversies in recent F1 history when the Ferraris of Eddie Irvine and Michael Schumacher were disqualified from first and second places for running illegal bargeboards.

They were later re-instated but Irvine's title rival Mika Hakkinen still grabbed the championship spoils two weeks later in Suzuka. In contrast the 2000 race was largely academic after Michael Schumacher wrapped up the title in Japan two weeks before the season finale. But the German was in no mood to ease up and took a record equalling ninth win of the season to help clinch Ferrari their second constructors' title in as many years.

Schumacher made it a Ferrari hat-trick in the event last year after an incredible fight back saw the German and his team-mate Rubens Barrichello fight through the field after losing nearly a minute changing to wet tyres.