Malaysian GP Rules Out Night Race

The Malaysian F1 Grand Prix will no longer be a night race after proposals to move the start time to the evening were dismissed as too expensive.

Sepang International Circuit chairman Mokhzani Mahathir described the cost of lighting up the Sepang circuit as ‘prohibitive’ in the current global economic climate.

However a compromise has been reached with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone with the race now scheduled to start at 5pm local time at ‘twlight’ according to the event organisers.

The race was previously held two hours earlier but should now attract more locals in the cooler late afternoon.

The Malaysian Grand Prix will be the second race of the 2009 season, taking place on 5th April.

Under a new contract signed in 2008, in which it agreed to be prepared to stage night racing, Malaysia will continue to host races until 2015.

Last year neighbouring Singapore hosted the first F1 night race, while Dubai will make its debut this year.