Malaysia may host F1 night racing next year

KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysia, which has won an extension to hosting its Formula One Grand Prix until 2015, may host night races as early as next year, the head of the Sepang circuit said Saturday.
Mokhzani Mahathir, chairman of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), told AFP that a clause concerning night racing was included in the contract to host the race for an additional five years.
Malaysia has hosted F1 races since 1999 and its current contract expires in 2010.
"Definitely...the contract will be signed by the end of this month. The new clause in the contract requires us to be prepared for night racing.
"We can be ready for night racing next year. But we will need ample notice from Formula One," Mokhzani said.
The announcement comes a day after neighbouring Singapore said it would host its debut Formula One Grand Prix on a street circuit next year and the race may be the first held at night.
The city-state will host the event for five years starting from September or early October 2008, with an option to extend to 2017, Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry, S. Iswaran, told a briefing.
Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has spoken of including night races in Asia on the F1 schedule as early as next season to boost TV audiences, especially in Europe.
Top drivers including world champion Fernando Alonso have opposed the plan, citing safety fears, but others have given their qualified support.
"For me it is okay as long as there is enough lighting," Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen said on the sidelines of the Malaysia Grand Prix in early April.
His teammate Felipe Massa said: "As long as we can see and as long as it is safe, why not?"
Mokhzani said safety was of paramount importance. "I know no one compromises on that," he said. - AFP