KUALA LUMPUR: With just a month to go before its expected completion date, the resurfacing of the Sepang Circuit is comfortably ahead of schedule with more than 50 per cent of major works already completed.
Led by Jarno Zaffelli, head of Italian design firm Dromo, the resurfacing and upgrading works will ensure that the circuit continues to meet FIA and FIM international standards. The track, which was closed on Feb 15, has been scheduled to reopen on May 8.
Sepang International Circuit chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali said completion on or before May 8 will allow his outfit to prepare for the Malaysian round of the FIM Superbike World Championships (WSBK) on May 13-15 comprehensively though he stressed that the quality of works carried out will not be compromised in any way.
"We are trying to get the track ready on time to ensure that we can start (early) preparations for WSBK, which will be the first big race to burn rubber on the new and improved track," said Razlan.
"We want Malaysians to come and support our local hero Zulfahmi Khairuddin (at WSBK) as well as witness the reopening of the track.
"The changes will certainly be exciting even for riders who have raced at Sepang in the past.
"The track works, however, are our priority and we will ensure that each step (of works) meets stringent global standards."
The works involve the entire 5.543km track, which includes improving driveability at turns one, two, four, five, seven as well as eight, nine, 12 and 15.
The drainage system, kerbs and the run-off area at turns 1, 4, 9, 12 and 15 as well as shortcuts are also being upgraded.