Malaysia Has Enough Experienced Personnel for F1, Says MAM

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 — Malaysia is fully equipped with experienced technical personnel and marshals to handle Formula One (F1) operations, supported by annual accreditation renewals for national sports officials, according to the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM).

MAM President Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir assured that despite Sepang International Circuit (SIC) last hosting an F1 Grand Prix in 2017, the country has maintained a strong pool of qualified race officials.

“There are many experienced people in Malaysia. We will authorise who can be a marshal but if there is a shortage, we will bring in lecturers or experienced people to give a refresher course to all SIC officials,” Mokhzani told Bernama when contacted.

Mokhzani noted that MAM’s current role is coordinating the enforcement of rules and technical standards mandated by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), ensuring all safety measures, circuit readiness, participant guidelines, and spectator safety requirements are satisfied before racing begins.

He added that continuous hosting of MotoGP and other major motorsport events has kept Sepang’s infrastructure in optimal condition.

“Actually, this SIC is well-maintained even though there is no F1. So all the events other than F1, MotoGP and so on ensure that the Sepang Circuit is at a good level. Maintenance is very good. So using it for F1 is not difficult and there is time,” he said.

Describing the return of F1 to Malaysia as an “extraordinary opportunity,” Mokhzani highlighted that Bahrain is covering the primary organizational expenses for the event.

“The current opportunity is an extraordinary opportunity. Because a large part of the costs needed for F1 is paid by the other party, we are just the hosts,” Mokhzani said.

“The cost is indeed high for them (Bahrain) but we will just host the event. This opportunity came suddenly. We must ensure that SIC is ready to be a very good host for Bahrain because they have shown their trust in us,” he added.

Formula 1 recently confirmed that Sepang will host the rescheduled F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from October 2 to 4, following an agreement reached between F1, the FIA, and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain. The arrangement preserves the event on the 2026 World Championship calendar after it was cancelled earlier this season due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

-NMT