The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will shut down its racetrack from February 15 to May 8, 2016. This is to allow for resurfacing and upgrading works to take place, and will involve the entire 5.54 km of the circuit. This is also the reason for the Malaysian GP being moved to October 2 in the 2016 F1 calendar – the race at Sepang has been moved from its usual second slot to become the 16th race.
The works is deemed a mandatory requirement in ensuring that the Sepang racetrack will continue to be homologated in the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) as a Grade 1 and Grade A circuit, respectively. The last time an operation such as this was carried out was in 2007.
The track resurfacing and upgrading scheduled for 2016 will be done in line with requirements set by both the FIA and FIM, to ensure that the circuit continues to meet international standards. During the exercise, the track will be closed from all activities, as the work involves resurfacing the entire 5.54 km track, repairing and upgrading of the drainage system, the kerbs and the run-off area tarmac, and also rebuilding the gravel bed area at Turn 1 and 15.
“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. Additionally, our efforts to develop motorsports in Malaysia further underline the need to maintain a top international class circuit in the country,” said Datuk Razlan Razali, CEO of SIC.
“We regret causing disappointment and inconvenience due to the closure of the circuit, and we thank all track users for their understanding. Like all facilities and especially circuits, maintenance works is a priority, and the resurfacing and upgrading works is necessary to ensure the continued availability of a track of the highest quality in Malaysia,” he added.
Its about time they upgrade the Sepang Circuit. Please repair toilets & other facilities. Have to maintain standard…
This track is not user friendly at all.
The toilets are badly managed, you need to walk a very long distance under searing heat of Sepang from the main entrance to the seats and there are no proper food area.
First thing they should do is to create a covered walking area for the fans from the entrance gates to the grandstand areas.
About time, man……
Wonder where are they getting the moolah to do these upgrading work from? Tax payers? Seriously this circuit is like a white elephant. A grave mistake right from the start.
Did you read that the track has seen an average 98% usage of the track’s availability throughout the year? What white elephant are you talking about? I agree that it might be expensive and a lil far away from city centre, but SIC has seen tremendous increase in events and also participation. This is good for local motorsports growth.