Sepang set to host night race in 2009

Malaysian Grand Prix chiefs are poised to give the green light to turning next year`s event into a night race, following talks with teams and drivers at Sepang last weekend.

The circuit has expressed an interest in following Singapore`s lead and run at night, but wanted to hold back on making a firm decision until after discussions with Formula One`s competitors.

However, with a successful event at Sepang last weekend that attracted 179,000 people over three days, circuit chiefs have now confirmed that they do want to a night race - and possibly as early as next year.

The track`s general manager Datuk Azmi Murad told the New Strait Times newspaper: “After 10 successful years, we need a new challenge and this is the challenge we are looking for. Efforts will now be focused towards that.”

Azmi said, however, that there was no firm date pencilled in for the first night race, although he hoped it would be 2009.

“We will start working on the night race and if all goes to plan, it will be next year,” he explained.

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