SEPANG – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has returned to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) tonight, one among several of the legacy from his previous term as prime minister in the 1990s.
Dr Mahathir, dubbed the father of Malaysian motorsports, seemed nostalgic when attending the official launch of its circuit lights, with their installation once deemed unfeasible.
“Now the facility is available at night as well. Lighting up the track was something we thought to be expensive but today, our dream came true.
“To be selected to launch this very important addition to the facilities in Sepang is my honour. It feels good to be back and thank you,” he said during the event.
The prime minister, who is an avid driver, also took a red Ferrari 458 supercar around the track to test the new circuit lights.
He was accompanied by SIC chairman Tan Sri Azman Yahya in the passenger seat.
Azman told reporters the lights would allow track owners to sell more track time and would allow for night racing which he believes would be popular in Malaysia.
“Apart from the cooler weather in the evening, the idea of driving under the stars somehow has a romantic feel to it,” he said.
For the first time ever since 1999, the entire 5,543-km track will be lit up with 64 light poles measuring as high as 43 metres, with a consistent illumination brightness of 150 lux.
“It means the position of the poles was designed so that all parts of the asphalt on the track have the same illumination intensity.
.JPG "Mahathir said SIC’s effort to transform the venue into a motorsports hub is a step in the right direction. — Picture by Mukhriz Hazim")
“This is important especially for motorbike riders so they can judge the braking zone, cornering apex and acceleration exit perfectly,” Azman said.
When asked if Formula One would be revived, Dr Mahathir brushed the question off, adding that the newly-installed lights are not “bright” enough for the sporting event.
“Formula One needs a different lighting with higher intensity because the camera needs to record the game for the people at home. This one is not bright enough,” he quipped.
The latest addition to the SIC infrastructure was installed by US-based Musco Lights — the same entity in charge of similar installation at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, Canada’s Jukasa Speedway and Bahrain International Circuit among others.
Dr Mahathir also said SIC’s effort to transform the venue into a renowned motorsports hub through new skills and talent development programmes is a step in the right direction.
“Sepang can now become a top motor city where those interested in engineering and motorsports can come here to learn how to move forward in the field,” said the prime minister.
“Engineering is not a static field, it is moving and developing all the time. Today, we have the means of controlling the engines like we never could before.
“We need not be diffident. I believe we can be as good engineers as anybody else. It is high time we acquire the skill and knowledge to do so,” he added.
SIC was officially opened in 1999, and subsequently hosted the Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix until last year. – Malay Mail
Will F1 return to Malaysian shores?
SEPANG: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has hinted that there is a possibility that Formula One (F1) could return to Malaysia with a night race such as the Bahrain and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (GP).
Dr Mahathir had earlier on Wednesday night officiated the new floodlights throughout the 5.543 kilometer (km) track at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) – one of the new and improved initiatives to attract more events and activities to the track.
“Perhaps, just maybe for Formula One, the lighting may be different but as it is now, it is sufficient for normal racing because it is not too bright. Usually for Formula One, for television the picture has to be very good,” said Dr Mahathir to members of the media after officiating the SIC Clinic as well as the floodlights.
SIC now has a new façade with improved facilities thanks to the floodlights which should make the track even more attractive for future bookings of motorsports related events thanks to the ability to host night races.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad delivers his speech during the launch of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) lights in Sepang. Pic by AHMAD IRHAM MOHD NOOR
Speaking on the circuit’s achievements after Dr Mahathir himself launched SIC 19 years ago back in 1999, he said that there has been a lot of development which has been achieved up till now.
“There has been a lot of development which has been achieved and there will be more to come according to the current plans that are in place,” said Dr Mahathir, who also hopes that SIC will be able to become a motoring city sometime in the future.
Meanwhile, SIC Chairman, Tan Sri Azman Yahya in his speech said that the initiative to install the floodlights came about after the circuit received even more bookings beginning from a couple of years back.
“We saw this as an ideal opportunity to attract even more bookings and interest by making the circuit capable of hosting
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