Ministry sets up 2 committees to oversee F1 race in Sepang

Youth and sports minister Dr Taufiq Johari said a technical committee would ensure the staging of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit follows the prescribed timeline. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: The youth and sports ministry has established two special committees to coordinate the staging of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) scheduled for Oct 2-4.Youth and sports minister Dr Taufiq Johari said the main committee, to be chaired by the chief secretary to the government, will coordinate security, protocol and cooperation among the relevant ministries and agencies.He said the technical committee would ensure preparations remained on schedule.“We have a very short period of about two months to ensure everything is in good order. It is not just about the circuit, but also protocol, security and transportation, and how we can boost the country's tourism sector.“All of this requires comprehensive coordination,” he was quoted by Bernama as saying after a working visit to SIC.Taufiq said a technical team from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) found no major issues with the circuit following an inspection conducted last week.“There are no red flags.

Overall, we are on the right track and only need some upgrades to meet FIA specifications,” he said.Taufiq said SIC is expected to be closed to the public from Sept 7 for upgrading work, maintenance and final testing to be carried out before the race.He said the government has so far allocated RM16 million for the upgrading works at SIC, and while Bahrain would fully bear the cost of staging the race, the government is also seeking sponsorship from private companies and corporate organisations to cover other related expenses.