Sepang to make decision on night race

Although circuit chiefs admitted earlier this year that they would like to run the 2009 event at night, they have vowed to talk with competitors before making a final decision about their plans.

Sepang's general manager Datuk Azmi Murad told the New Straits Times that nothing would be decided until after this weekend's race.

"Right now, it's only an option," he said about a night race. "Nothing is finalised yet. We're still gathering input and we should also include the drivers and teams in Formula One and MotoGP before we can do a proper evaluation.

"It isn't only about whether to do or not to do it, it is also about how we want to do it and what sorting of lighting, where we should locate the lighting and so on."

Should Sepang go down the night race route, then the circuit plans to install a permanent lighting system rather than erect temporary facilities.

Azmi added: "We have to consult the industry as well as the players to find the right specifications before we come to a decision.

"The decision will also be based on whether it is viable economically."