MotoGP – Sepang at night: the organizers confirm and… take their time!

More than a trend or a craze, a need. Organizing a Grand Prix at night, these days, could represent an opportunity to entice and convince the bosses of Formula 1 and MotoGP to extend contracts, court new potential sponsors and spectators. If this is the future of motor racing, "Asian" countries are at a clear advantage. Having archived the "first" of Losail in MotoGP, waiting for the Singapore Grand Prix in Formula 1, there has been talk for some time about a possible "by Night" scenario of Sepang. As we had anticipated earlier, on the eve of Formula 1 in Malaysia, confirmations or denials were expected from those directly involved: rumors which, in these very hours, have found a sequel. In a meeting with the press, Datuk Azmi Murad, general manager of Sepang Circuit, spoke. A short, concise, but significant comment. “We are interested in a night race for the short term future”, Murad said sincerely. “Our objective is to evaluate all the possible scenarios for holding the Formula 1 Grand Prix at night, with all the pros and cons of the case. Obviously this project would also involve the MotoGP, but in both cases we have not yet reached a decision. We are in contact with the FIA ​​and FIM, with FOM (Formula One Management, ed.) and Dorna, and we followed the Losail MotoGP Grand Prix with interest. There is a common interest, but on the other hand there is no rush in carrying out the project: we have to plan the investments, also because when thinking about this eventuality we don't want to leave anything to chance".

In short, a half confirmation and an admission that, perhaps, seeing a "Sepang by Night" for 2009 would be a bit more than we can chew, especially considering the agreement reached last year with Bernie Ecclestone to host Formula 1 until 2012. There is therefore no rush and no need (unlike Melbourne) to work hastily for a night race: yet the same “Mister E.” promised the Sepang organizers a further renewal (expiring in 2015!) if a night race in the land of Sandokan materializes from next season...

“We are really working towards this project”, Sepang Circuit press office chief Azahar Ghazali later confirmed. “We have made contact with all possible partners, as well as with the organizers of Losail and Singapore. A decision has not been made, but in the coming weeks we will certainly have more elements to decide what to do for 2009".

There are those who have been talking about a Formula 1 (and MotoGP) at night in Sepang since 2010, those already since 2009. What is certain, a capital increase to be invested for the next season has already been approved in Kuala Lumpur, with a first "cheque" of 5 million euros. It is difficult to think of changes to the track, one of the most popular in the world motorsport scene. It's easy to arrive at the famous "2+2", especially considering that Jeff Rogers, head of Musco Lightning (the giant that "illuminated" Losail), previously publicly confirmed the study in his offices to illuminate Sepang, precisely on behalf of the same organizers of the Malaysian Grand Prix…

Alessio Piana