Inside the transport chaos that marred F1’s return to Sepang

Formula 1 fans in Malaysia faced chaotic transport gridlocks and hours-long queues upon the sport’s return to Malaysia, prompting organisers and transport operators to vow immediate improvements.



But for some spectators, the improvements came too little and too late after the disappointment during the practice and qualifying sessions on Oct 2 and 3.



Mohd Khalimi Ashraf Mohamed Rethuan, a 43-year-old banker who attended the Oct 2 sessions, said he and his wife were forced to walk 11km from the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to Mitsui Outlet Park, where he had parked his car.



The complaints pose questions about Malaysia’s readiness to host the popular event should it return permanently after a nine-year absence, even as organisers were arguably hobbled by the short preparation time after the Bahrain GP was relocated to Sepang.