SEPANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has given his assurance that the Sepang Circuit will not become a “white elephant” project despite no longer hosting Formula One, the race it was built for.
Najib said that there are a number of plans in the pipeline for the circuit, which has hosted the F1 since 1999.
"We have stated that we will develop other forms of motorsports (events) in this country where you are likely to see stronger Malaysian participation," said Najib at a press conference at the circuit today.
"And I think that is what Malaysians want to see – Malaysian drivers participating. We are in the process of formulating the other events that will be showcased here.
"So Sepang will be quite heavily utilised. It’s not as though it is going to be a white elephant. There will be many activities, both formal and informal held here.
"It will not become something that is not productive for the country," he added.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi; Formula One Group chief executive officer Chase Carey; Petronas chief executive officer and president Tan Sri Wan Sulkiflee Wan Ariffin; Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chairman Tan Sri Azman Yahya; and SIC chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali.