Sepang signed an extension to their F1 deal back in 2007. That means the Malaysian track will not be the host of a night event in the series until at least 2015. The circuit official argued their decision by the economic crisis. Setting up a night race would mean a considerable investment in a functional lighting system that will not pay off.
“We have amended the contract. The race will start at 5.00pm. It is another way of saying that there will be no night race until 2015. Bernie said to me that 'we will no longer raise the issue'. I told him that we are facing an economic crisis. The night race may or may not attract more people to the circuit,” said Sepang track chief Mokhzani Mahathir.
Formula 1 currently has a single night race in the 2009 calendar, the Singapore Grand Prix. Following the inaugural edition of the race – considered by most F1 specialists a great success – Ecclestone has been continuously trying to secure another night race in Formula 1. With the North American continent out of the F1 calendar for 2009 (and most likely 2010), the only option for such an event would have come from the Asian & Australian rounds.
Before the 2008 season, Ecclestone had tried to oblige the Melbourne officials to host a night race for the season opener in Australia. He even threaten the Australian officials that he won't extend the circuit's deal in the series unless they'll agree with the idea. With Singapore stepping in, however, the situation dissolved itself.
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