JANUARY 26, 2004

Malaysians press for locals to use Sepang more

The management of the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia is encouraging the local population to race at Sepang and not on the streets of the country.

"I call upon all parties to come and participate in the many grass root races organised throughout the year by SIC and other motorsport bodies," said Dato' Hishammuddin of the SIC. "Please come and utilise our modern circuit and help elevate the level of motorsports in this country. We cannot just sit and watch these great races in our own back yard; we have to start dreaming of participating in them as well. It is my wish that one day Malaysia will again be represented in F1."

Much has changed in recent months in Malaysia following the retirement of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad with a completely new board of directors which is headed by Dato Mokhzani Tun Mahathir, the son of the ex-premier. The new board is ambitious to increase the growth of motorsport in Malaysia and all are well-connected in government circles.

In the meantime Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy has signed to drive for Menu Motorsport in the British Formula 3 series. The 21-year-old will be in his second year of British F3 and hopes to win his first races this year.