Although criticized by most of the drivers due to the twilight conditions in which it was held, the race was considered very spectacular by F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, who insisted the action should continue to start at 5 PM in order to boost audience in Europe. As the latest figures show, this year's Malaysian Grand Prix was viewed by more European fans as compared to last year.
However, Sepang International Circuit chief executive Razlan Razali insisted the Malaysian fans should also be taken into consideration when setting the time schedule for the race. Although many have paid for the full show, only half was provided. Had the race started earlier, the rain might have not affected it in the first place.
“We do not look at just television viewers. What about the thousands who paid money to come to the circuit, some from out of the country? Of course, even after Sunday's race, some said it was exciting even if it was only half a race. Maybe it was the case for television viewers, but not for those at the track,” said Razali in an interview for the New Straits Times.
Holding a night race is also out of the question for the Malaysian organizers, due to both the high costs of such an initiative and the poor visibility in similar rainy conditions (as rain is always likely at Sepang during that time).
“Even holding the race at night, given our weather, it would provide even more difficulties if it rained. Visibility, even under not such heavy rain, would be more severely affected,” added Razli.
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