13/08/2009
NEWS STORY
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Following the shambles that saw this year's event aborted just after half distance, organizers of the Malaysia Grand Prix intend pushing the start time of the 2010 race back by one hour.
Despite all the warnings, this year the organizers complied with Bernie Ecclestone's wishes and moved the event from its traditional afternoon start time (15.00) to a 17.00 slot, as the F1 supremo seeks to host more night races following the success of the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.
However, as predicted, a tropical storm hit the track almost bang on schedule causing the race to be red-flagged. Then followed the embarrassing spectacle of drivers, fans and officials waiting to see if conditions might improve and the race re-started only for the organizers to eventually abandon the race due to the failing light.
In the wake (no pun intended) of the lesson learned this year, Ecclestone has now agreed to Sepang officials demands that in 2010 the race gets underway at 16.00.
"Of course, it would have been even better if we stuck to the time we've always had," Sepang International circuit CEO Razlan Razali told Singapore's Today newspaper. "We are not keen on a night race, but we now have a good compromise and are happy it won't start later."