Malaysia expresses interest to host night race in Malaysian F1 GP - Formula 1
Dato’ Mokhzani Mahathir, chairman of the Sepang International Circuit has articulated his interest in hosting a night race for the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Malaysia is celebrating the event this year with a month long campaign to increase the declining attendance at the event. The Sepang Circuit will be hosting the second race in the season after the Australian GP as the race in the Gulf state has been cancelled.
Talking about the promotional campaign he voiced his interest saying, "I think a night race will be interesting. The F1 race at night will be cooler."
Mokhzani, who ruled out the night race back in 2008 due to the heavy costs involved in the lighting of the circuit, is now suggesting it be a night race to win back spectators as a strategy to boost ticket sales.
Being in the tropics, Malaysia experiences a hot temperature that has stabbed ticket sales. This was being admitted to the media last month by chief executive of the Sepang International Circuit, Datuk Razlan Razali. Razlan also believes that Sepang should
stage a night race before its contract to host the F1 race expires to reverse back the faltering crowds.
Sepang has been hosting the event since 13 years but the crowds have been shrinking over the years. It has a daily capacity of 130,000 spectators but last year was only able to lure 97,000 in three days.
Currently Qatar and Singapore are hosting night races and they have attracted a large crowd. Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One boss has also expressed interest in holding night races in Asia.
Mokhzani claims that night races will be a natural fruition for the Sepang circuit, and would require the organizers to shell out about $15 million.
The organizers are also planning on post-race events to entertain the crowd and further their interest. The centre stage helipad will be revved up the Korean superstar Rain after the race on 10 April. The attendance of the R&B singer has been confirmed by
SIC chief Razlan.
Rain has a wide fan base in Asia and America owing to his brisk performances and nifty dances, and is certain to make the event get-up-and-go.
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