F1 return to Sepang possible but Malaysia needs a five-year business plan, says FIA president Ben Sulayem

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said that Formula 1’s return to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will depend on a credible, long-term business plan backed by the government and strong fan demand. He added that Malaysia has the track, motorsport heritage and fan base to support a return, but any bid must show that hosting F1 makes commercial, tourism and economic sense for the country.

"If Malaysia wants to go back to F1, I said it very clearly: a plan, a five-year business plan, knowing how you will cover it," said Ben Sulayem. He stressed that Malaysia would need a strategy to promote the race and fill the grandstands, as F1 now operates on a significantly stronger commercial footing than when Malaysia last hosted the championship.

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