Ever since it was opened on March 7, 1999, Malaysia's Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has never undergone a facelift.



However, 20 years on, the circuit has been given the much-needed makeover amounting to a total of US$7.17 million.



According to the New Straits Times, the SIC has replaced its ageing roofing which provides shed to 1.8KM of seats at the grandstand.

The Sepang International Circuit has been given a makeover. IMAGE: Driver61

Toilets at the public and paddock areas along with drainage around the spectator areas have been renovated as well.



"We have replaced the grandstand roof after 20 years. The iconic Sepang waterfall (leaking) is no more and fans will now be well protected from the rain," SIC chief executive officer Razlan Razali said.

"We have also renovated the public toilets in the grandstand and paddock areas. It will provide a more comfortable experience for the spectators as well as the teams and officials who will start coming in from tomorrow (today)".

IMAGE: Formula1

These renovation works, according to Razlan, began earlier in 2019. US$4.78 million alone was spent on the roof while another US$2.15 million were paid to upgrade the toilets.

"The funds were available thanks to the savings we made after ending our Formula One World Championship (F1) contract."

Malaysia had been a regular host for the F1 since the inception of the SIC in 1999 until 2017.



The Malaysian Grand Prix had to be ended due to rising hosting fees and declining ticket sales.



With Singapore having its own glamorous night-time race, the novelty for Malaysia had gradually worn off.

IMAGE: Wheels24

However, there are plans by the Malaysian government to bring back the race as early as 2020 or 2021.

"We believe that the interest in the grand prix is still very big, and we want to bring the race back here," Mahathir had said in April 2019.

It was during Mahathir's first tenure when the F1 was introduced to Malaysians. The F1 played a key role for the Southeast Asian nation to venture into automotive industries.

"So, we think that by having the grand prix (again), we will be able to get more than 100,000 spectators and that will be worthwhile for us.

"Besides that, when we have the grand prix, the television stations broadcast this all over the world, bringing about 200 million viewers," he said.



With the track given the needed facelift, are these signs of the F1 returning to Malaysia? Hopefully it is.

Cover image sourced from Formula1.