Alex Yoong says F1’s return to Sepang presents a golden opportunity to rebuild Malaysia’s motorsport ecosystem and create a lasting legacy.
KUALA LUMPUR: Formula One’s (F1) return to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) presents Malaysia with a golden opportunity to rebuild its motorsport ecosystem, according to Malaysia’s former F1 driver Alex Yoong.
“As someone who has raced in F1 and spent much of my career developing motorsport in Malaysia and the region, it is great to see a track from Southeast Asia back on the world’s foremost racing calendar,” he said.
Yoong, who became Malaysia’s first F1 driver in 2001, stressed that hosting F1 must be backed by a compelling commercial case and a clear long-term vision of what the event could deliver beyond a single race weekend.
“My hope is that it reignites support for the entire local motorsport ecosystem, from sim racing and karting right through to professional championships,” he added.
On Sunday, F1 and the FIA confirmed that Malaysia will host the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at SIC from Oct 2 to 4, the first race in Malaysia since 2017. Only six of the 22 current drivers have previously raced at SIC: Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Carlos Sainz Jr and Pierre Gasly.
“The drivers will enjoy it. The whole paddock likes coming to Malaysia for the GP,” Yoong said.
Yoong made his final F1 appearance at the Japanese GP in 2002, before enjoying success including victories with A1 Team Malaysia and three consecutive Audi R8 LMS Cup titles. Today he serves as head coach and driver mentor for Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s Young Talent Development Programme.
