In Local News, Motorsports / By Danny Tan / 7 December 2016 12:00 pm / 47 comments

It has not met its original schedule to be operational this year, but plans for the Fastrack circuit in Iskandar, Johor is very much alive.

The design of the circuit was unveiled yesterday at Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Studios in a ceremony officiated by prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. HRH Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Johor crown prince and chairman of Fastrack Iskandar, was present along with Johor chief minister Datuk Mohamed Khalid Nordin.

Dubbed Asia’s premier motorsports city, Fastrackcity is located at the gateway of Gerbang Nusajaya within Iskandar Puteri, approximately 10 minutes away from the Tuas Second Link checkpoint. It’s centred around a 4.45 km track that’s FIA Grade 1 and FIM Grade A certified, which means that it’s capable of hosting top tier Formula 1 and MotoGP races. This is an upgrade from initial plans of a Grade 2 GT double loop circuit. There will be night lighting as well, which opens up more possibilities.

The Fastrack Iskandar circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke, the man who drew up F1 tracks in Sepang, Bahrain, Shanghai, Istanbul and Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi. The German was also responsible for the street circuits in Valencia and Marina Bay, Singapore. The track takes advantage of the site’s natural 60m elevation differential, “providing a racing experience like no other race track in Asia.”

Motorsports enthusiasts can expect an “incredible driving experience” on a track designed on the natural undulating terrain that takes cues from the Nordschleife of Nurburgring, those behind the project say.

“This is one of the most exciting motorsports concepts I have ever been invited to work with. I truly believe we can build a unique track for motorsports entertainment,” Tilke said.

According to Fastrackcity, the circuit will boast seven different configurations – three full track, three north track and one south track. The north portion of the track is the one with the rolling terrain, while the south part will have high speed straights that will see machines clock 313 km/h.

In the middle of it all is a hill climb section, 1.5 km Grade A kart circuit, 4×4 park, motorcycle park and Advanced Handling Park, all within walking distance from each other. The latter will feature a kick plate and circular skid pan. The kart building and hill climb building, which are equipped with their own garage and hospitality facilities, are both capable of hosting events concurrently with the main event happening on the big track.

Sounds like the ultimate car-loving rich man’s playground, doesn’t it? To facilitate that, the Fastrack circuit is duty-free for vehicles, and has a high security “Auto Vault”, described as the ideal parking facility for highly-prized vehicles. No shortage of those in Johor and Singapore, that’s for sure.

Also in the masterplan is a Speed Gallery automotive exposition space, show galleries, F&B outlets and a lake park. There are also freehold land plots for mixed-use development such as a four-star motorsports themed hotel.

“It has taken Fastrack Iskandar much time and effort to arrive at the finalised design and concept of this lifestyle development. We are just excited that we are further down the road in constructing the whole facility to satisfy the horde of motorsports enthusiast around the region!” said Barry Kan, director of Fastrack Iskandar.

This ambitious RM3.5 billion project is a joint venture between Fastrack Autosports – 70% owned by Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim with the Johor royal family as partner – and Malaysian developer UEM Sunrise. Targeted completion is in 2019.

Since 1999, Sepang International Circuit has been the undisputed “Home of Malaysian Motorsports”, putting Malaysia on the global motorsports map. Will Fastrack take over the mantle?