Organisers of the Malaysian Grand Prix say they don't want to turn the event into a night race to suit a European television audience.
Circuit cheif executive says he wouldn't encourage the move
Organisers of the Malaysian Grand Prix say they don't want to turn the event into a night race to suit a European television audience.
The Grand Prix in neighboring Singapore is held under floodlights meaning that the race starts at 1pm in the United Kingdom, the same time as European races, rather than the 9am start of this year's race in Malaysia.
Promoters in Melbourne are coming under pressure to race at night from Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone, but Sepang International Circuit chief executive Datuk Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali says he is happy with the current set-up.
"I personally would not encourage a night race but then again, let's see what the consultants have come out with their conclusion (on having night race)," he told
Bernama.
"The research is still going on and a decision will be made after we have presented our economic impact.
"The economic impact is our strategy or our outline on how we can capitalise and leverage on Formula One better.
Cost
"It is very costly, especially for the lighting. You have to imagine Sepang Circuit now with beautiful settings but if we are doing the night race, then we will have light towers or concrete poles. I don't think it will look nice."
Monsoon showers occur regularly in Kuala Lumpur as early evening turns in to night and this in itself could prove a problem for Formula One.
"The circuit is not designed for night racing and if it rains, it will be dangerous too," Ahmad Razali added.
"Frequent or heavy downpour at night could force the race to be stopped or cancelled. There is no precedent to see whether Formula One can race at night especially when it is wet."
