A new era in Formula One is now upon us with the 2007/08 season seeing a large number of dramatic changes to regulations, driver line-ups, car setups and even in the paddock. Being seen as the pinnacle of motorsport, the series is a showcase for the latest technology on the track.

This season the various European paddocks will become the focus as they play host to two of the latest creations from international design consultancy, Sepang Design, due to be unveiled in May, at the Spanish round of the F1 season in Barcelona.

The formula 1 regulatory body, the FIA, and Phillip Morris will both showcase new concepts in hospitality units with state-of-the-art properties, both of which have been designed by UK-based Sepang Design, who specialise in the transport and interior design sectors.

The mobile FIA unit consists of two new technical and office trailers plus two independent standard container sized units brought to the circuits by truck. The containers benefit from being extremely versatile requiring only a small technical support team. The units are both self-levelling and self-propelled, manoeuvred into position via remote control - a process requiring only a small technical support team - to create a space featuring fully equipped offices, catering and accommodation, as well as incorporating cutting-edge corporate facilities.

The Marlboro-branded, Phillip Morris unit is similar to that of the FIA, in that it is constructed from a series of units. However, the on-site construction method differs slightly - being assembled using a truck-mounted crane - as the unit is built across several levels.

They differ from the existing trailer-mounted units in being linked together to form semi-permanent, rigid structures which give the feel and appearance of having a much longer life than the transitory feel of a drive-away trailer unit.

Sepang Design draws on 20 years experience, along with an extensive track record within the business of Formula One, and have again worked closely with German engineering specialists Schuler and UK based ASGB in the design and creation of the new units. The two firms have collaborated on a number of previous projects over the past few seasons for teams including McLaren, Jaguar and Toyota.

Commenting on the latest addition to the F1 paddock, Sepang Design creative director, Fran Cush, explained: "Formula One is one of the only motor sports that has an appeal around the world, so the opportunity to work on these hospitality units was extremely exciting for us. When we were approached, both the FIA and Marlboro wanted to have something cutting edge, and with something of a 'wow' factor, which I genuinely feel we have accomplished with both of the units."