SIC seeking fair solution for events affected by Bahrain F1 GP

SIC normally closes the circuit about 10 days before the Malaysian MotoGP, but for F1, the closure is expected to last about two weeks or slightly longer. (Bernama pic)SEPANG: Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is working to find a fair solution for event organisers affected by preparations for the Formula 1 (F1) Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, to be held from Oct 2 to 4.SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif said discussions are under way with clients who had booked the circuit before Malaysia was announced as the replacement host for the race.He said SIC would strive to minimise the circuit's closure period before the race to reduce disruption to its scheduled events calendar.So far, the two events expected to be affected are the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) and the Thailand Super Series."We are discussing with our clients whether to reschedule their events or explore other options. It is not an easy matter because it affects the entire racing calendar."I contacted them before the announcement was made on Sunday, and we are trying to find the best possible solution," he told reporters recently.Azhan said SIC normally closes the circuit about 10 days before the Malaysian MotoGP, but for F1, the closure is expected to last about two weeks or slightly longer to allow preparations to be completed in accordance with the required specifications.He said many tasks that would normally be carried out over a year now has to be completed within about two months.If the circuit closure can be limited to around two weeks, the ARRC can still proceed as scheduled, but further discussions will be needed if F1 preparations require a longer closure, he added."We will do our best to shorten the circuit closure period," he said.Last Sunday, F1 confirmed Malaysia as the replacement host of the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix following an agreement signed between F1, the FIA, and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.The event, scheduled to be held at SIC, will retain its original name, the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, subject to the finalisation of agreements and official approvals, including from the World Motor Sport Council.The agreement allows the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was cancelled earlier this season due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, to remain on the 2026 F1 calendar.Malaysia hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang from 1999 to 2017…