RM17 million for repairing and upgrading SIC - Razlan

A sum of RM17 million will be spent on repairing and upgrading the 5.54km Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

Its chief executive officer, Datuk Razlan Razali said the company (Sepang International Circuit Sdn Bhd) had appointed a world-renowned motor racing firm recommended by the Federation of International Motorcycling (FIM) for the upgrading process, scheduled for Feb 15 until March 8.

Razlan said SIC would request for, among others, upgrading of various aspects at the circuit, including the drainage system, the kerbs and tarmac run-off areas and the gravel beds at Turn 1 and 15.

"Our consultant will be tabling their proposal to us next week before we will table it to FIM for its feedback (on the upgrading process).

"We expect the repair and upgrading works to cost RM13 to 17 million but we hope the cost can be reduced."

Razlan said this to reporters when met at the wedding reception of former national Moto3 racer, Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin, in Kampung Bukit Changgang, here, today.

He was confident that the circuit, when reopened on May 8, would make a difference to the company in organising two world-class motoring championships, namely the Formula One (F1) Grand Prix on Oct 2 and World MotoGP Championship on Oct 30.

The last time upgrading works were carried out at the SIC was in 2007.

Prior to this, Razlan had reportedly said that repair and upgrading works were a condition set by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and FIM to ensure the SIC adhere to international standards.