The Malaysian Grand Prix organisers are considering a night race in the very near future in the hope they can re-ignite interest in the country’s race.
Razlan Razali, chief executive of the Sepang International Circuit, told AFP that he thought the facility had ‘lost its lustre’ and must look at other avenues, including renovations, to restore its shine.
“It has lost its lustre,” said Razlan. “Having Singapore next to us for F1 does not help and our biggest competitor is the television as many people prefer to watch the race from the comfort of their homes.”
He admitted the event only sold 97,000 tickets in 2010 over the three days, despite a capacity of 130,000 at any one time – ticket prices certainly aren’t the issue with the lowest starting at just £11 ($19).
The circuit is in a poor state, and is ‘tired-looking’ said Razlan. Despite this, he hasn’t received a reply from the Malaysian government in reponse to a request for £38m ($60m) in funding to make make the necessary repairs.
“When it rains, it [the grandstand] leaks. People are not happy. The circuit was built in a record time but unfortuntely there were shortcuts and poor maintainance,” he added.
The solution? A night race, according to the 38-year-old organiser.
“We should do one night race before we extend the 2015 contract. Maybe this will attract a bigger crowd as the weather at night will be cool.”
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