Sepang, understandably, not so keen to invest in the current economic climate
Sepang will not go down the route of night racing for the foreseeable future, a spokesman for the Malaysian circuit has confirmed.
He said Sepang looked into the night race option, pioneered last year by Singapore, but concluded that the cost of the lighting was too high.
The existing contract, now amended for a later 5pm start, runs until 2015.
Entering its 11th edition, the 2009 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix is the second round of a 17-leg world championship this season and would be held from April 3 to 5. The new season would open at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia on the preceding weekend. Like Melbourne’s grand prix, the Malaysian event will move to a ‘twilight’ start time in 2009, to better serve the European television audience.
It’s going to be a very different kind of Formula One event in Sepang this year. And, of course, the race would be starting later at 5pm this year instead of the usual 3pm.It’s going to be more enjoyable for the drivers and competing teams as well as the fans as it would be a much cooler race this year.
Datuk Mokhzani Tun Mahathir, chairman of Sepang International Circuit (SIC), said: “The race will begin at 5pm on April 5 to make it easier for our European viewers.
Track chairman Datuk Mokhzani Tun Mahathir is quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency: “(The 5pm start) is another way of saying that there will be no night race until 2015.”
The “economic crisis” was the leading reason for the decision to decline the night race route.
SIC is expecting around 130,000 attendees for the event.
Track chairman Datuk Mokhzani Tun Mahathir
Priced as low as RM100 and regarded as one the cheapest in the F1 calendar, tickets for the 2009 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix can be purchased by calling TICKET HOTLINE at 03-87782222 or via internet at www.sepangcircuit.com.
For spectators comfort and convenience, SIC would be working closely with its partners in offering various service packages including transportation through the ERL network and Skybus to the venue along with a complimentary KLCC Tourist card.
Jom komen!