19/03/2008
NEWS STORY
Organizers of the Malaysian Grand Prix have admitted that they are still pondering the feasibility of running the event as a night race in future, a move that would be greatly appreciated by Bernie Ecclestone as he attempts to build TV viewing figures in the sport's European heartland at a time when he is nonetheless actively seeking to take actual live events out of the region and to the wealthier nations in the east.
"Right now, it is only an option," Sepang International circuit general manager Datuk Azmi Murad told the New Straits Times. "Nothing is finalised yet. We're still gathering input and we should also include the drivers and teams in Formula One and MotoGP before we can do a proper evaluation.
"It isn't only about whether to do or not to do it, it is also about how we want to do it and what sort of lighting, where we should locate the lighting and so on," he added.
Unlike Singapore, and Melbourne, where Ecclestone is also demanding a night time event, Sepang is a permanent track.
"We have to consult the industry as well as the players and find the right specifications before we come to a decision.," said Azmi. "The decision will also be based on whether it is viable economically. "The governing bodies, the FIA and FIM, also have to be consulted.
"However, we are not going to have a night race just because Singapore are doing it," he added. "There are many options and many more we haven't looked at. So, the decision hasn't been made yet."