The Sepang circuit is situated close to the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport and was widely hailed at the time as the most up to date racing complex in the world.

The inaugural event saw the return of Michael Schumacher after his accident at Silverstone some months earlier. The German was in top form upon his return and clearly showed the field that he was back. He led the race with ease before handing the win over to his team-mate, Eddie Irvine to help the Irishman with his championship hopes.

The Sepang circuit is modern and challenging in almost every respect. A combination of long, fast corners is interspersed with long straights and slow corners; varying cambers and a wide track offer choice of line, whilst hot temperatures stress engines and drivers.

Sepang offers several overtaking opportunities, reducing the importance of grid position compared to getting race strategy right. This purpose built circuit is a tough challenge for cars and drivers alike. The lap is quite long, and provides some respite in the name of the four long straights. Tyre wear is high, and pitstop times are relatively long. The circuit requires almost maximum downforce, emphasising low drag and powerful engines, with temperatures that ensure a tough weekend ensuring engines and drivers alike are kept cool enough to function.