Sepang set to turn back the clock

Malaysian Grand Prix organisers will push back the start time of the 2010 race by an hour after a frustrating washout at the Sepang Circuit in this year's race, newspapers reported yesterday.

The 2009 race was started at 5 p.m. (0900 GMT) in order to meet the demands of F1 decision makers, who want to attract bigger television audiences in Europe.

But in the event, drivers were unable to complete the April race, which was red-flagged after 32 of the scheduled 56 laps when a tropical storm made conditions too dangerous for drivers.

Race winner Jenson Button and the other top-eight finishers were awarded half-points.

The news of the 4 p.m. start for 2010 was met with approval by the head of the race circuit who had, however, hoped for an even earlier start.

"Of course, it would have been even better if we stuck to the time we've always had," Sepang International Circuit CEO Razlan Razali told Singapore's Today newspaper.

"We are not keen on a night race but we now have a good compromise and are happy it won't start later."