Formula One news
Malaysian organisers to change start time?
06 April 2009 / Results / PhotosOrganisers of the Malaysian Grand Prix are looking into the starting times of their event, after a modification was made for this season. Malaysia, like Australia, switched its start time from mid-afternoon to 5pm for this year in a bid to attract more live TV viewers in Europe, although were seemingly caught out by both the weather and amount of light available later in the evening.
The idea, first suggested by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, was met with mixed views "It could be earlier," admitted Prime Minister Najib. His opinion is shared by at least half of the field of drivers, with Nico Rosberg having said the race should either be held during the afternoon or at night, but rather than at any hour in between. On the other hand, former team-mate Mark Webber - who finished the shortened race sixth for Red Bull - admitted that conditions had been less than ideal all day. "It's dark now (7pm), so it was the right call not to make a restart," the Australian said. "I'm not so sure you can blame the time of day for today's conditions, as the weather was bad at 3pm too; it seems it was just one of those days - it's been the mistiest and coolest day I've ever seen in Malaysia for race day."
"We will review it," added Datuk Makhzani, chairman of the Sepang circuit. "As to exactly what time it will start next year, we are not sure, but we are reviewing the timing for next year's race." The event also suffered from a drop in attendance to 80,000 this year - a loss of 40,000 in comparison with 2008 - although Makhzani admitted that the worldwide economic crisis is still very much an influencing factor.
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