Organisers in Malaysia have upgraded the Sepang International circuit in readiness for WorldSBK and F1 events.

The circuit, which has hosted a round of the Formula One World Championship since 1999, has been upgraded in order that it continues to meet the demands of both the FIA and FIM.

Whilst the F1 Grand Prix has been moved from its early-season slot to October, where it will be held back-to-back with Singapore, the Superbike World Championship visits next month.

The circuit closed in mid-February and since then work has gone on around the clock to meet the 8 May deadline.

"The track works are our priority," said Dato' Razlan Razali, Chief Executive Officer of SIC, "while ensuring that each step of the way meets stringent global standards, we are also racing against the clock to meet the deadline ahead of the Superbike round from 13 to 15 May.

"The track's changes will certainly be exciting even for riders who have raced at Sepang in the past," he added.

"We are trying not only to meet but get the track ready ahead of the 8th May promise," he continued. "To ensure that we can start preparations for WorldSBK, which is the first big race to burn rubber on the new and improved track. We want Malaysians to come and support our local hero Fahmi as well as witness the reopening of the track."

The resurfacing and upgrading exercise, which was led by Jarno Zaffelli, Circuit Designer Head of Italian design firm Dromo, involves the entire 3.444 mile (5.543km) track, including improving corner driveability at Turns 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 as well as 8, 9, 12 and 15, upgrading of the drainage system, the kerbs and the run-off area at Turns 1, 4, 9, 12 and 15, as well as upgrading the shortcuts. The last turn will make a major impact to the track, offering users a brand new and challenging experience.