Sepang claims GP contract extension

Autosport.com first reported in January that there were doubts about whether Malaysia would stick with their grand prix, especially because of the mounting costs involved in hosting F1 races.

The matter was further complicated by likely upgrades needed at Sepang, plus the possibility of the event needing to fund an expensive night race.

But after weeks of talks, the circuit claim they have agreed a five-year extension to their contract, which will keep the race in Malaysia until 2015.

Sepang chairman Mokhzani Mahathir was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency: "We have secured a five-year extension from 2011 to 2015."

Sepang will now begin work on upgrading facilities, although they are not sure yet whether they would definitely be hosting a night race in the future.

Mokhzani said he was waiting to hear from F1 chiefs about the requirements for lighting.

"With race cars running at speeds above 320 km/h, you need lights close to daylight," he said.