A racetrack-shaped apparatus for generating a magnetic field on a target surface for magnetron sputtering, comprising on a magnetic base (a) a vertically magnetized center permanent magnet arranged straight; (b) vertically magnetized peripheral permanent magnets surrounding the center permanent magnet; (c) vertically magnetized first intermediate permanent magnets, horizontally magnetized second intermediate permanent magnets and vertically magnetized third intermediate permanent magnets arranged on both sides of the center permanent magnet; and (d) vertically magnetized fourth intermediate permanent magnets arranged separately from both longitudinal ends of the center permanent magnet; each second intermediate permanent magnet being arranged with one magnetic pole opposing a near-target side surface portion of each first intermediate permanent magnet.