PETALING JAYA: The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) are all excited over the announcement that Malaysia will have a team competing in the F1 world championships from next year.
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) have accepted Malaysia’s bid to set up the 1Malaysia F1 team.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who made the announcement yesterday, said the national team would be based in Sepang.
The SIC chief executive officer, Razlan Razali, said that it was an exciting development for Malaysian motorsports.
“We will be hosting the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix for the 11th time next year and this is a great leap for the country,” he said.
“It is a privilege not many country can get to host their own race and have their home team competing. This will surely generate excitement for the local fans. I understand that a Malaysian driver will be given one of the two drivers’ slots.”
However, the team will initially be based in Norfolk as the SIC have yet to allocate a proper place.
“The government has specified that the future design, manufacturing and technical centre will be placed at the circuit and we will find a suitable place for it,” said Razlan.
The plan is for the Malaysian team to have their base at the South Track of the circuit. And when ready, it will be the second outside Ferrari to have a race track just outside their doors.
The SIC hosted the first F1 race in 1999 and Alex Yoong was the first Malaysian to drive in the premier series in 2001.
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