Sepang races to be revamped for 2011

KUALA LUMPUR: Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will introduce changes to racing events next year in order to encourage more participation in the Malaysian Super Series (MSS). SIC CEO Datuk Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali said the major changes would be rescheduling of the 12-hour endurance race and the Sepang 1,000km Endurance. The 12-hour endurance race, which was usually held in August in conjunction with Malaysia's Independence month, would be carried on from Sept 15 to 17 next year and the race would also be re-named the Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race.

Meanwhile the Sepang 1,000km Endurance, which has had its first two editions in the first week of June, will have its third edition held in December next year. "The main reason for the change is to provide more time for participants to prepare their cars and to encourage them to participate in the MSS for a whole season rather than just one or two races," Ahmad Razlan said in a statement Wednesday. The MSS would be held for six rounds from May to November next year at the SIC.

According to Ahmad Razlan, other changes would also take place, in areas of cars' eligibility and safety enforcement. "Beginning next year, only cars from 2006 models and newer would be allowed to participate in the Sepang 1,000km Endurance. "This is for Malaysian motorsports to move forward in terms of development, progress and safety," he said.

Events organised by SIC in 2011 will include the Formula 1 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix (April 8-10), Malaysia Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race (Sept 15-17), Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (Oct 21-23), Sepang 1,000km Endurance Race (Dec 1-3 Dec) and Malaysian Super Series (six rounds from May to November).
-thestar online.