Sepang organizers pushing for night race in 2009

Race organizers at Sepang have admitted that they are pulling out all the stops in order that the 2009 Malaysia GP will be a night race.

"After 10 successful years, we need a new challenge," Sepang International Circuit (SIC) general manager Datuk Azmi Murad told the New Straits Times, "and this is the challenge we are looking for. Efforts will now be focused towards that.

Previously, SIC chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir and Azmi had said that a night race was being considered, but that no decision had been made.

Now, with the future of the Australian GP under serious threat, Bernie Ecclestone having warned Melbourne organizers that it`s a night race in 2009 or no race in 2009, others are looking at how best to assist the F1 supremo`s quest to increase TV viewing figures in Europe, at a time when events such as the Malaysia GP are shown at `unsociable` hours in the sport`s heartland, therefore hitting the sport where it hurts most, in its (advertising revenue) pocket.

Unlike Melbourne`s Albert Park and the street circuit in Singapore - scene of F1`s first ever night race later this year - Sepang, being a permanent facility will be able to put such a lighting system to better, more cost effective, use.

"We will start working on the night race and if all goes to plan, it will be next year," said Azmi.

25.3.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ Malaysia    ▪ www.pitpass.com