Friday, April 10, 2009

Sepang looks to change race start time

Sepang looks to change race start time

Malaysian Grand Prix bosses are looking to change the start time of next year's race following the problems faced during last weekend's event.

The Sepang race began at 5pm - instead of the traditional 3pm start - in order to boost television audiences in Europe.

The decision led to widespread criticism from the majority of drivers, who felt there wouldn't be enough daylight in case of a likely rainstorm.

That proved to the case on Sunday, when the race had to be suspended after 32 laps. After over 50 minutes of deliberation, the race was not restarted.

Although F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was unmoved by the criticism, some felt the race could have gone on should it have taken place earlier, as it would have allowed for the track to dry up while there was still sufficient light.

Despite Ecclestone's support, Sepang bosses are now looking to change the start time to a "more suitable" hour in order to avoid a repeat.

"We definitely need to propose a more suitable time for our race," Sepang International Circuit CEO Razlan Razali told the country's The Star newspaper.

"The issue here is whether we have enough daylight, and on Sunday this was not the case.

"It was not just the fans who were dissatisfied with a shorter race but I think everyone involved in F1 also lost money."



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