Malaysia Could Follow Singapore Under Lights

The Malaysian grand prix could become a night race held under floodlights from 2009. The Sepang circuit may follow the example of the inaugural formula one event in Singapore scheduled for September, which will be the first race in the history of the world championship to be held after dark on a track using artificial lighting.

Bernie Ecclestone, the formula one commercial rights holder, is currently driving an initiative to encourage races such as Australia and Malaysia to follow Singapore's example and opt for a night race, thereby enhancing the commercial value of the television coverage in Europe, which would screen these races in the middle of the day rather than during the small hours. However, the management of the Sepang circuit at Kuala Lumpur has made it clear that no decision has yet been made as to whether or not next year's Malaysian grand prix will change its format to become a night race.

"Right now it is only an option," said Datuk Amzi Murad, the general manager of the circuit. "Nothing is finalized yet. We are 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 it 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."

Meanwhile, although officials at last Sunday's Australian grand prix in Melbourne have apparently ruled out the prospect of running a night race, promoter Ron Walker is optimistic that a compromise solution can be reached with Ecclestone, who recently said the race's future on the calendar could be in jeopardy if they did not agree to a change in schedule.

"I will be seeing Mr Ecclestone sometime in the next three or four weeks, and we will have a heart-to-heart discussion about what he wants to do," Walker told auto sport.com. "I have known him for more than 20 years. He loves Melbourne and I am sure we will work something out. Business is about compromise. If you talk to the teams and the media, they love being here."

Victorian premier John Brumby has also confirmed that the state government will do whatever it can to guarantee the future of the race.