Above: The first official Australian Grand Prix was held on Phillip Island in 1928.
Unable to make it to Singapore in September for the Formula 1 Grand Prix? Consider a pit stop at one of these upcoming races in the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region instead.
Japan — October 5 – 7, 2012
The next Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix is bound to provide thrills aplenty. The Suzuka International Circuit is one of the few circuits in the world to have a figure eight layout, with the backstraight passing over the front section of the tract on an overpass. One of the most difficult racing tracks in the world, the circuit also features a dauntingly fast 130R corner and the multi-apex spoon curve.
United Arab Emirates — November 4, 2012
The fourth annual Formula 1 championship on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina circuit will cap off the 2012 racing season, with a harborside route designed to recall Monte Carlo and Belgium’s classic Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Australia — March 14 – 17, 2013
The Australian Grand Prix follows a relatively easy 5.3-kilometer street circuit that winds around Melbourne’s Albert Park Lake, making it one of the most scenic races on the F1 calendar.
Bahrain — April 19 – 21, 2013
The first Grand Prix in the Middle East is also one of the tamest: Bahrain’s Sakhir track is smooth and easy and Champagne is banned from the podium. Instead, winners make do with bottles of non-alcoholic rosewater.
Malaysia — March 22 – 24, 2013
The Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix is held at the Sepang International Circuit, a challenging 15-turn track. The wide circuit with at last four long straights followed by slow corners has been designed to encourage overtaking.
China — April 13 – 14, 2013
The Chinese Grand Prix boasts one of the longest straights in the world—the run from turn 13 to 14 totals 1170 meters. It’s venue, the US$450- million Shanghai International Circuit was the world’s most expensive F1 raceway when it was build in 2004.
