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       THE inaugural Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix in October 1999 was an epic event to remember.Malaysia’s dream of hosting the prestigious event became a reality as the RM286mil state-of-the-art Sepang International Circuit was constructed outside the capital city.

       Designed by the F1’s resident architect Hermann Tilke of Germany, the Sepang track was the first Asian venue to be visited by the F1 community outside of Japan.

       The return to racing of Michael Schumacher, then considered the best driver of his era, made the race all the more thrilling.

       He had been out of contention for several months after breaking his leg in a crash on the first lap of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

       The other early favourites were McLaren driver Mika Hakkinen of Finland and Ferrari’s Eddie Irvine of Northern Ireland, who were only separated by two points in the championship standings.

       Schumacher did exactly what was expected of him, putting his car on pole, then letting his teammate through before dubiously blocking Hakkinen for the rest of the race, much to the Finn’s dismay.

       Irvine won the race and took the lead in the championship.

       But the drama continued post-race as both Ferraris were disqualified for illegal bodywork, which in theory handed the world title to Hakkinen.

       Ferrari later appealed against the decision and the FIA Court of Appeal in Paris reinstated Irvine and Schumacher. The reprieve was brief for Irvine, however, as Hakkinen streaked away from both Ferraris in the showdown in Suzuka, Japan.

       Malaysia went on to host the event until 2017 when the government decided it was not financially feasible to continue.

       Top racing car driver Jazeman Jaafar has nothing but fond memories of the Malaysian Grand Prix.

       “Having a Formula 1 race here brought an incredible boost to my interest in motor racing.

       “We had big names and world champions racing here. I was in awe when we sat in the grandstand and heard the V10 engines roaring,” he recalled.

       His late father had brought him to see some launches and road shows two weeks before the big weekend.

       “That was how it stoked my interest in wanting to race in the pinnacle of motorsport.

       “I chased after that dream and the closest I came to was finishing second in the British Formula 3 Championship in 2012.

       “I was invited to drive the demo car around the streets of Kuala Lumpur the following year and it was just so nice to feel the support from the people.

       “Until today, the people I met in the paddock always have good things to say about the Malaysian F1 GP, the excitement, and they hope it will come back one day,” said the 28-year-old Jazeman, who is the only Malaysian to have won a race in Monaco when he competed in the 2013 Formula Renault 3.5.

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