Holiday with the Formula One season

If the revving engines and high speeds of the Formula One season are a sporting event you have always wanted to experience, when better way to see it than on holiday.

This weekend sees the start of the season in Melbourne in Australia, and though it may be too late to catch the opening race, the second in the series is not until April.

Frequently visited as a stopover destination, the second Formula One race will be in Malaysia's modern capital Kuala Lumpur.

Held at the Sepang F1 International Circuit on April 8th, tickets for the race start from around £70 for a one-day pass or £100 for all three days (www.malaysiangp.com.my).

Away from the race course Malaysia offer holidaymakers plenty to do in the city, from ultra-modern shopping malls at the foot of skyscrapers to street markets.

For holidaymakers wanting to explore further, there are plenty of natural sights to see, from the one of the world's oldest rainforests to tea plantations and ancient buildings.

An adventure holiday tour taking in Malaysia's natural sights departing April 1st 2007 is available for £1,519 per person including flights from London Heathrow, accommodation and all transportation with Explore (www.explore.co.uk).

If you are not planning to travel such long distances, there are races in the Formula One season that are closer, including the French and Spanish grands prix.

On May 13th Catalunya will be hosting the Spanish Grand Prix. Barcelona's track is known for its mix of high and low-speed corners, and an abrasive, bumpy track surface.

If you do not fancy spending the minimum of €274 (around £190) for a three-day pass (available from www.circuitcat.com), then just head to one of Barcelona's many cafes and bars.

Once you are done taking in the main sights of the city - La Rambla, the Sagrada Familia and the atmospheric Gothic Quarter - there is plenty more to explore in the surrounding area.

Kirker Holidays has a luxury three-night bed and breakfast stay in May at the five-star Mas de Torrent, a good starting point to see the region's bays, coves and woods, for £746 per person. (www.kirkerholidays.com)

In the height of the summer Mangy Cours in France's Burgundy region hosts the French Grand Prix.

A region full of vineyards, many chateaux and plenty of good places to eat out, it makes a fun stop on a summer holiday.

Tickets for Grand Prix start from €210 (around £140) from www.gpfrancef1.com

VFB Holidays has a two-night stay at the three-star Hotel de Dracy from £181 per person in July including dinner, breakfast and channel crossings for one car.

For information see www.vfbholidays.co.uk