A relief for SIC without F1

WHILE it will be missed by many, the absence of Formula One from next year from the Malaysian Grand Prix will relieve Sepang International Circuit (SIC) of the headaches of track condition and requirements.

F1’s faster cars this year, which produce significantly higher downforce during braking, have caused bumpier than usual tracks at a number of circuits and is expected to do the same at the Petronas Malaysia F1 Grand Prix on Sept 29-Oct 1.

Because of the faster cars, SIC have also been forced by FIA, the world governing body for auto racing, to upgrade the tyre barriers at five turns of the track at a cost of RM2 million.

Chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali said SIC will study the effects of the F1 race and is hoping no adjustment will have to be made before the Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix, which is a month later.

Numerous MotoGP riders have complained of the bumpy tracks caused by F1 cars this year. SIC have sold 40,000 tickets for the F1 race so far.

“FIM Grand Prix Safety Officer Franco Uncini has highlighted it (bumpy tracks) as a safety concern for the riders and it is something we will be monitoring,” said Razlan yesterday.

“We recently resurfaced our track and the asphalt is a little sensitive. Having spent a lot of money to resurface the track, obviously we are a little worried.

“There are a few issues with the new cars’ technology this year which has also led to a number of new regulations.

FIM, the world body for motorcycle racing, however, have asked for the upgraded tyre barriers to be removed for the Malaysia Motorcyle GP and requested upgrades of their own in different areas.

“FIM want the extra run-off area for the riders as going from two to six rows of tyres eats into that space. They have also requested an extra 70 metres of airfence (soft wall barrier) at turn one.”

Sepang will host the MotoGP race on Oct 27-29.

Razlan also disclosed that he has signed a two-year extension to his contract as CEO with the Ministry of Finance (MOF). MOF Incorporated is the major shareholder of SIC. Fadhli Ishak and Khairil S Iswan