The Malaysian Motorsports Commission have announced that they have signed an extension to their contract to ensure they will host a Formula 1 race in the country until 2015.
The original extension was announced earlier this year however the government did not sign immediately, wanting to look over the viability of new clauses in the contract. The current contract expires in 2010 and Malaysia has signed a 5 year extension.
“It is very pleasing to note that the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to Formula 1,†Azman Yahya, chairman of the Motorsports Commission explained. “This will not only provide long term benefits to tourism, it will also help us in understanding the already substantial motor sport industry in line with the Government s objective of turning Malaysia into a regional hub for motorsport.â€
One of the new clauses in the contract is a commitment to hold a night race at any time upon notification of Formula One management. The Sepang circuit has yet to decide what sort of lights need to be installed for a night race and the Sepang chairman has made it clear that any lights system would need the approval of the FIA and DCS (Department of Civil Aviation) before they could be installed.
“The FIA has not told us about the specifications for the night race,†he explained. “They have engaged a company which would be conducting a test in the Paul Ricard Circuit in September.â€
