Rapid KL rolls out 95 free shuttle buses for F1 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang

Fans heading to Sepang International Circuit (SIC) for next week's Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix have one less thing to worry about. Rapid KL has confirmed it will run free shuttle buses to the circuit on all three days of the event, 2 to 4 October.

The operator announced on Thursday (24 September) that 95 buses will run on a loop between three pick-up points and the circuit.

Where to catch the bus

According to Rapid Bus, the free shuttles will leave from:

• KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2, bus hub on Level 1
• Mitsui KLIA bus hub
• De-Village, Persiaran Millenia 2, Bandar Baru Enstek

"The service will operate from 7am to midnight on all three days, with a frequency of between 10 and 15 minutes," said Rapid Bus chief executive officer Syahrul Azmir Ahmad Zaki, as reported by The Star and Malay Mail.

More shuttles will run inside the circuit grounds to move spectators between key locations.

Rapid KL said all buses have passed safety inspections and will be monitored throughout the weekend. Staff will be posted at key points to guide passengers, and route details and updates will be posted on Rapid KL's official website and social media channels.

Why the 7am-to-midnight window matters

Track action at Sepang runs from late morning into the evening. Converted to Malaysian time, the official F1 schedule has first practice at 12.30pm and second practice at 4pm on Friday. Final practice is at 12.30pm on Saturday, with qualifying at 4pm. The 56-lap race starts at 3pm on Sunday, 4 October.

With support races and evening concerts also planned, a service that runs until midnight means fans who stay all day will still have a ride home.

Preparations "80 per cent" complete

The transport news comes as work at the circuit enters its final stretch. Earlier this month, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said preparations were "80 per cent" complete. He added that "SIC upgrading and repair works have been going on since Monday (Sept 7) and are on schedule," Malay Mail reported on 11 September.

The minister said the improvement works were moving forward in line with the requirements of Formula One Management and the FIA. The circuit was temporarily closed to the public while the work took place. He also said 500 volunteers had been identified and would be trained to help run the event.

The Sepang race is a replacement for the Bahrain Grand Prix. It was called off in April because of the Middle East conflict, and the move to Malaysia was only confirmed in late July.

What fans should do now

With about a week to go, fans who would rather not drive have a simple option. KLIA Terminal 2 is served by the KLIA Transit and KLIA Ekspres rail lines, so fans from the Klang Valley can take the train to the airport and then board a free shuttle. Keep checking Rapid KL's channels, because pick-up points or timings can change once the organisers finalise traffic management around the circuit.

Key takeaways

• Rapid KL will run 95 free shuttle buses to Sepang International Circuit from 2 to 4 October.
• The pick-up points are KLIA Terminal 2 (Level 1 bus hub), Mitsui KLIA and De-Village in Bandar Baru Enstek.
• The buses run from 7am to midnight daily and leave every 10 to 15 minutes.
• Extra shuttles will move fans around inside the circuit.
• The sports minister said on 11 September that circuit preparations were 80 per cent complete and that 500 volunteers had been identified.

FAQ

Do I need to pay for the Rapid KL shuttle to Sepang? No. Rapid KL has said the service is free. Check the operator's official channels for any conditions that apply on the day.

What time does the last shuttle leave? The service runs until midnight on all three days, 2, 3 and 4 October.

What time does the Sepang race start in Malaysian time? The race starts at 3pm on Sunday, 4 October. Qualifying is at 4pm on Saturday.

Sources: The Star, Malay Mail, Free Malaysia Today, theSun, Media Selangor, Formula1.com