Sepang Circuit to close for upgrading

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sepang International Circuit is to close its race track from Feb 15 to May 8 next year for resurfacing and upgrading, SIC chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali said today.

"The last five years have seen an average 98% usage of the track's availability throughout the year, from large international events all the way to private bookings.

"These events have taken the circuit to a whole new level of recognition and, in tandem with this, it is a must for SIC to continue providing the best experience and top levels of safety for all track users," he said in a statement.

The forthcoming upgrading follows the last one in 2007.

Razlan said the track resurfacing and upgrading scheduled for 2016 is based on the requirements of the Automobile International Federation (FIA) and Federation of International Motorcycling (FIM) to ensure that the circuit continues to meet international standards.
He said upgrading would involve the entire 5.54km of the world-class circuit, and it was a mandatory requirement in ensuring that the Sepang track continued to be homologated by the FIA and FIM as a Grade One and Grade A circuit, respectively.

The resurfacing and upgrading exercise would include repairing and upgrading of the drainage system, the kerbs and the tarmac run-off area as well as rebuilding the gravel bed area at Turn One and 15, he said.

"Like all facilities, and especially circuits, maintenance work is a priority, and the resurfacing and upgrading work is necessary to ensure the continued availability of a track of the highest quality in Malaysia," he said. — Bernama