Sports / Motor Racing |
Ecclestone says Sepang circuit needs facelift(Reuters)Updated: 2007-04-09 09:01
Malaysia's Sepang circuit looks shabby and is in need of a facelift, according to Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone. "They did such a fantastic job when it first started, but now it has become, if you don't mind, like an old house that needs a bit of redecorating," Ecclestone told Malaysia's New Straits Times newspaper. The Sepang International Circuit complex first staged a Grand Prix in 1999 when it was hailed for its state-of-the-art facilities and space-age design. "It's difficult to maintain, as it's very big. It's starting to get a little shabby and looks a bit tired," he said. Ecclestone told the paper that the state of the facilities would affect Malaysia's reputation if it weren't improved. "There is rubbish all over the place and it's not really a good sign for Malaysia," he said. "We're on worldwide television, and it needs to look good, much like in the beginning." Malaysia is one of several Asian stops on the Formula One Grand Prix circuit along with Japan, China and Bahrain. Singapore is also applying to stage a race at night under floodlights and Ecclestone believes this concept would help boost television coverage in Europe. "We lose so much television in Europe because of the time change," Ecclestone said in the interview. "So I've been urging the people to look at floodlighting the circuits in order to have the race at night. "It would be good for this part of the world, and it will be prime time on television for us in Europe." A decision on Singapore's bid is expected to be made next week.
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