MotoGP – The possibility of a race in Sepang at night is increasingly concrete

In recent weeks Carmelo Ezpeleta, boss of Dorna, spoke of the possibility of seeing a night race in Sepang starting next season, following the trend inaugurated by Losail and the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. An increasingly concrete hypothesis: in recent days the managers of the track near Kuala Lumpur are working in this direction, evaluating all the pros and cons. Obviously, those in favor prevail between the two parties, who have already taken into consideration the investments (partially covered by the Malaysian government itself) as well as the validity of the project. “Lighting up Sepang” will not be a simple thing, taking into account the layout of the track, length of the route and width of the escape routes. However, a solution seems to have been found, also thanks to the partnership with the organizers of the Formula 1 Singapore GP, who will take care of the lighting of the Malaysian track.

The investment, according to estimates previously made official by Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir (President of Sepang Circuit), would be around 20 million euros: important figures for an ambitious project, supported by both Carmelo Ezpeleta and Bernie Ecclestone, for a double night race with Formula 1 first and MotoGP later.

In the event of a "Sepang by night", the organizers and teams will have to review the winter testing calendar, which is fundamental for the development of the bikes. In all likelihood we will test under the sun in January, while in early February there will be the first collective test with artificial lighting. And for the 250 and 125 teams, unable by a gentlemen's agreement to test beyond European borders?..

Alessio Piana