Sepang is still considering a night race

The organizers of the Malaysian Grand Prix are still considering holding their race at night in the relatively near future, but insist that the financial burdens must not be too great.

Formula 1 will see its first night race next September on the Singapore circuit. Tracks like Melbourne or Sepang have been invited to follow this example so that their broadcast in Europe takes place not in the middle or end of the night but in the early afternoon.

Dato Mokhzani Mahathir, the president of the Sepang circuit, says he understands the FIA’s desire to organize night Grand Prix in this region of the world, but he hopes that the costs will not be too high.

« We actually started talking, with Bernie Ecclestone, about the equipment that would allow the circuit to be illuminated as early as September 2006. Furthermore, a lighting system that produces high-quality brightness is needed. The natural daylight and artificial night light must be similar, » Mokhzani stated to the Bangkok Post.

« Since then, Ecclestone has spoken with Singapore and Melbourne on this issue because he would like these F1 races to be broadcast in Europe at a more decent hour. »

The urban circuits in Singapore and Melbourne are temporary, whereas we are a permanent race track. Installing a lighting system would therefore allow us to rent out the track a bit more.

He added: « European viewers will appreciate it because they will be able to watch their favorite program live at a much more decent hour. For example, the Melbourne race runs at 2 PM, which is equivalent to 6 AM in Europe! »

« They should therefore appreciate the event even more if it takes place for them at noon or in the afternoon. In Asia, it might be different in terms of the number of spectators who come to see the Grand Prix with their own eyes, but in terms of viewers, there won’t be any major changes. »

Mokhzani Mahathir denied that he had received an ultimatum from Ecclestone to turn the Malaysian race into a nighttime event.

« No, I never received an ultimatum from Bernie that could have seen our contract canceled if we didn’t become a night race, » he said.

« Our contract is ongoing until 2010. Last year, when we were in negotiation, a clause was added to the contract stating that we had to prepare to host a night race. »

« We also agreed on the price of the lighting system, which should not be ‘too much of a financial burden’ for us. Our new contract has been extended until 2015, » concluded Mokhzani.