Nine Corners At Sepang Circuit Altered Ahead Of Malaysian Grand Prix

Nine corners at the Sepang circuit "have been renovated ahead of this weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix," which organizers promise "will provide a new challenge for drivers," according to Nate Saunders of ESPN.com. Malaysia's race "dropped to the lower end of the calendar" for '16 after several years as one of the opening rounds. Extensive work "has been conducted on the circuit in that extra time" -- as well as being resurfaced, the organizers have updated drainage and run-off areas. The "most radical changes have been at the final hairpin," Turn 15. Turns 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12 have also had their gradients altered. Circuit CEO Razlan Razali said that "it will be as if [drivers] have come to Sepang circuit for the first time" because the changes have been "so significant" (ESPN.com, 9/27).