DR Mahathir Mohamad does not discount the possibility that the Formula 1 (F1) race, which was last hosted by Malaysia last year, will return to this country.

“Maybe,” the prime minister replied yesterday when asked if the installation of the floodlights throughout the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is a sign that SIC will again host the prestigious race.

Earlier, he drove a Ferrari on the 5.543km track as a symbol of the official opening of the “circuit lights” at Sepang.

Dr Mahathir, however, drew attention that the lighting of the floodlights was may not meet night-race requirements.

“If for the F1, the lighting must be much brighter because the present brightness is not bright enough. It will make it difficult to carry out broadcasting work.”

SIC has the potential to become a motorsports city that served as a platform for its advancement in the country, he said.

“Sepang can become a motorsports city where everybody who is interested in such activity or engineering can come here and learn how to move forward in this field.”

Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said it would be up to the cabinet to decide on resuming the F1 race in Malaysia. – Bernama, August 2, 2018.