{
  "id": 11104468,
  "title": "First-time Sepang F1 racers will master track 'from opening lap'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/first-time-sepang-f1-racers-will-master-track-from-opening-lap-11104468",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T04:16:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/motor-sports/2026/10/1545266/first-time-sepang-f1-racers-will-master-track-opening-lap"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "SEPANG: Formula One will return to Malaysia's Sepang circuit this weekend for the first time since 2017, despite the track not hosting a Grand Prix in nine years. The event is a one-off arrangement between the Malaysian government and Bahrain race organisers following the cancellation of the original April event due to the Middle East conflict. While many of this season's drivers will be racing at Sepang for the first time, veteran driver Alex Yoong believes they will be up to speed from the very first lap. Yoong, who competed in F1 between 2001 and 2002, stated that modern drivers have access to extensive simulators, meaning they should be able to adapt quickly to the track. The circuit has undergone significant upgrades and repairs, costing up to US$4 million, in preparation for the upcoming race. Sepang's high-speed corners, long straights, and intense heat are expected to pose the biggest challenges for the drivers. Yoong predicts that the race could be a surprise, with McLaren and Mercedes potentially shaking up the championship standings.",
  "summary": "SEPANG: Malaysia’s only Formula One driver expects current racers to be up to speed from the first lap when they compete at Sepang this weekend, despite the circuit not hosting the sport for nine years.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "First-time Sepang F1 racers will master track ‘from opening lap’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/first-time-sepang-f1-racers-will-master-track-from-opening-lap",
        "published": "2026-10-01T03:23:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}