F1 fans stranded in Sepang long after Bahrain GP ends

 Social media users say thousands remained near the circuit and around transport hubs until late in the night.

Social media users posted photographs of racegoers stranded near the Sepang motor racing circuit after the Bahrain Grand Prix ended yesterday. (Threads pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Extraordinary congestion was reported around the Sepang motor racing circuit and roads leading to Kuala Lumpur and the airport after the Bahrain Grand Prix ended yesterday.

Posts by social media users showed that thousands of racegoers remained near the circuit and around transport hubs more than six hours after the race finished at about 6.30pm.

Some started walking to Mitsui Outlet Park and KLIA, while some motorcyclists were seen offering rides to stranded racegoers, Astro Awani reported.

The authorities were reported to be monitoring traffic flow and crowd movements around the circuit.

Last weekend’s F1 race was the first to be held at Sepang since the Malaysian Grand Prix was cancelled in 2017 after an 18-year run due to rising expenses and declining returns.

The circuit came under criticism on Friday for congestion and lengthy waits for shuttle buses to parking areas and nearby transport hubs. Fans also complained of delays entering and leaving the circuit, while one social media user claimed people had resorted to walking along a highway emergency lane while waiting for buses. - FMT