Sepang suffers in comparison to Singapore

Malaysia was the first Asian country (after Japan) to appear on the Formula 1 calendar in 1999. But the weight of the years is already beginning to show on the hastily constructed circuit. Especially since Singapore has since set new standards in the region by adopting a night race.

Here are some topics for Razlan Razali and his team to consider before the renewal of the contract linking the Sepang circuit to Bernie Ecclestone, which is set to expire in 2015.

Indeed, despite having some of the cheapest tickets of the year (it is possible to find tickets for $19), the Malaysian circuit is struggling to fill up with spectators. Thus, despite a maximum daily capacity of 130,000 spectators, only 97,000 gathered for the 2010 event. This represents a significant drop compared to the 126,000 in 2009 and especially compared to the 2006 record when 140,000 spectators attended over the three days.

The organization is therefore evaluating two initiatives to restore the event’s former glory. The first involves a significant investment plan to upgrade infrastructures suffering from the country’s tropical conditions. This includes the main grandstand roof, built in the shape of a hibiscus (the country’s symbolic flower), which is no longer waterproof: When it rains, it leaks. People are not happy. The circuit was built in record time, but unfortunately, there were shortcuts and poor maintenance. Bernie Ecclestone has not failed to compare Sepang to the Singapore event, likened to the crown jewel: It’s an old house that needs redecorating. It’s starting to look a bit shabby and seems tired. There is trash everywhere and it’s not really flattering for Malaysia.

The second part of the investment plan would be to host at least one night event by 2015 for two main reasons: it would prevent spectators from suffering from the tropical heat, and it would place the event within traditional viewing hours for Europe, which would significantly increase the number of viewers. Razlan Razali explains: “Having Singapore right next to us for F1 does not help us, but our greatest competitor is television because many people prefer to watch the race from the comfort of their homes.”

But these two proposals must necessarily be supported by significant financial backing from the government, which seems to be turning a deaf ear. The organizer therefore claims not to have received feedback regarding his request for a $59 million investment plan for his circuit. While he acknowledges that the event as such is in a structural deficit, it makes a significant contribution to the country’s image: « It’s an event that loses money, but the economic impact for the country is substantial. »

Malaysia could therefore be the symbol of these new countries wanting to attract global attention to their nation through a Formula 1 race. While the intentions are always significant at the beginning of the project, after-sales service may leave much to be desired…

With the participation of RacingBusiness.fr