Malesya 2010 Will Have Earlier Start

Organisers of the Malaysian Grand Prix have succeeded in scrapping the 'twilight' concept for its Formula 1 race in future. In April of this year, the Sepang track event had to be curtailed shortly after half-distance with only half-points awarded, with torrential rain and fading light blighting the race that began at 17:00 to better suit the European TV audience.

In the weeks prior to the race, fears that Malaysia's daily early evening rains would wash out the race had been widely discussed. The realization of those fears prompted the schedule change. It has now been confirmed that in 2010, the Malaysian GP will instead begin at 4pm, even if Sepang International Circuit boss Razlan Razali said organisers would have preferred an even earlier new start time.

"Of course, it would have been even better if we stuck to the time we've always had," he told Singapore's Today newspaper. "We are not keen on a night race but we now have a good compromise and are happy it won't start later," he added.