Malaysia considers partnership to host F1 on a non-annual basis
A report is expected to go to the Cabinet by November as the government assesses costs, economic benefits and the impact on other sports funding.
Malaysia could stage Formula One races every few years under a partnership with another country, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Taufiq Johari told the Dewan Rakyat. The arrangement being considered would replace a commitment to holding a race annually.
Taufiq said the government was reviewing the expense of an F1 return alongside its potential economic benefits. A report is expected to be submitted for Cabinet consideration by November. Any decision would require sufficient returns and leave funding for athlete development and other sports unaffected, he said.
A committee bringing together multiple ministries and the government's chief secretary is studying feasibility and investment returns. Its assessment also seeks to establish whether benefits would extend to parties beyond Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and the sports ministry.
Separately, Taufiq said RM5.6 million was allocated last year to develop Malaysian motorsports through 29 programmes encompassing 159 activities and competitions for two-wheel and four-wheel racing. Initiatives for the current year include women's motorsports classes, motocross track days, go-karting, rally and minibike programmes. He said wider access, including for rural young people, was intended to help Malaysia nurture its own racing talent.
