Final countdown:

Formula 1 fans attending the F1nale Concert at the Sepang International Circuit before the start of the qualifying session.

JOHOR BARU: The final Formula One Malaysia Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will be a bittersweet one for Azlan Akil (pic) who has never missed attending the race since Malaysia first hosted the race in 1999.

Azlan, 48, previously the corporate communications chief at SIC for 10 years, said he had the chance to meet not only Formula One drivers and teams but also those working tirelessly behind the scenes.

He said when the country first hosted Formula One back in 1999, Malaysians had no experience and had to learn a lot of things from the Formula One management team.

“We have come a long way since then. SIC has become a benchmark for other new circuits within the Formula One calendar.

“European circuits have so much tradition and history but Sepang was the first purpose-built and modern circuit in the world then,” he said yesterday.

He also said that Sepang had helped lay the foundation for a strong Formula One fan base not only within Malaysia but also in the region.

Azlan said the Malaysia Grand Prix had always attracted strong support from motoring fans in Asia.

“It is the sound of the roaring engines and action in the sport that continues to attract fans to watch Formula One, especially in Sepang,” he added.

As for his most memorable race through the years, he recalled the event in 2001 where Brazilian driver Ruben Barrichello drove for Ferrari when he won the Grand Prix.

“Certain parts of the circuit were affected by the rain and many teams were forced to change their tactics to help their drivers.

“This is why Sepang is considered as one of the best races in Formula One because it is unpredictable.

“I hope that Mercedes-Benz AMG Petronas team will win the race as it would be a fitting farewell to the Grand Prix in Malaysia as Sepang is considered a home base for the team,” he added.

Azlan said the upcoming race would also be a reunion with his “motorhead” friends who would be visiting from regional countries, especially from Indonesia, to attend the race.