Malaysia set for early start time

The Malaysian Grand Prix could be moved to an earlier start time, as a result of the investigation into Jules Bianchi’s crash at the Japanese Grand Prix last season.

Malaysia has been used to starting in the mid-afternoon so that it is not too early for European audiences, but that greatly increases the threat of heavy rain, which contributed to the crash of Bianchi at Suzuka.

Heavy rain is almost an annual feature of the race weekend at Sepang, and it caused the 2009 race to be abandoned half way through.

However, an earlier start time could be a part of a new contract between the venue and Bernie Ecclestone, after an investigation panel suggested that a race start should not be any less than four hours before sunset, unless it is a designated night race.

Circuit chief Razlan Razali told Reuters: “Mr Ecclestone mentioned that because of the Suzuka incident, the FIA has some time limit. So he is reviewing  to move the start to the original time, maybe this year.

Start of 2013 Malaysian F1 GP

“For us, it’s good. It’s a safer time bracket, so now people can come in for lunch, watch the race and about five o’clock they can go back.

"He mentioned the possibility (of an earlier start). We said if you want to go back to three PM, we fully support it.”

The Malaysian Grand Prix is the second race on the calendar and will be held on March 29^th.

✅ Check out more posts with related topics: