With only five test circuits around the world – Monza, Mugello, Magny Cours, Silverstone and Barcelona – Sepang would become the first such circuit in Asia, opening new horizons for motorsports in the country.
“We have hosted many motor sport races like the F1, the World Motorcycle GP, Japan GT Association and Merdeka Endurance in Sepang and the time has come for us to get it test circuit status,’’ said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Hishammuddin Hussein, claiming that Sepang had some of the world's best facilities.
“I will meet International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosely during the Malaysian F1 race next year to discuss the matter.’’
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said the National Sports Council (NSC) would work closely with the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) to drive the development of national hockey ahead of the country's preparations for the World Cup next February. It follows the poor showing of the Malaysian junior team in the Junior World Cup in Tasmania, Australia, last week.
The Sepang Formula One circuit is poised to become the hub of Asian motor sports if plans to make it an F1 test circuit are approved.
