Malaysia closing on '09 night race

Next year’s Malaysian Grand Prix is edging closer to becoming Formula 1’s second night race after the Sepang circuit confirmed it was in discussions about securing a floodlighting system.

The Sepang circuit outlined its aim to follow the lead of Singapore and stage its 2009 grand prix at night last month, with such a move being encouraged by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone so that some of the flyaway races can be broadcast at a more convenient time in Europe.

And Sepang’s plans seem to be moving forwards, with its chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir revealing that the circuit is in the process of securing a bespoke lighting system. 

"We are studying and looking for the best system as there is no one single lighting technology that can fit all tracks,” he told Malaysia’s New Straits Times newspaper.

“The system must be custom made for the Sepang circuit.

"We are now in discussion with companies which offer such [a] system.”

Mokhzani also hopes that the purchase of a permanent lighting system will bring further benefits to the circuit outside of F1.

"We have also studied the impact of having lighting technology at the circuit and we have come to the conclusion that it will help generate bigger revenue as the circuit can be rented for night racing," he added.