SEPANG: Night lights at the Sepang International Circuit are set to increase its revenue and spur the development of motorsports in the country.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he was impressed by the lighting system installed around the circuit.

Dr Mahathir who took a bright red Ferrari out for a drive after launching the lighting system said it was a nice experience.

"I don't usually drive Ferraris. When you press slightly on the pedal the car just shoots forward and makes a nice sound. The lights were very nice and quite clear but the flashing lights of the car ahead of me were very distracting," he told reporters at the circuit on Wednesday (August 1).

He said the lighting system would not fit the requirements of Formula 1, but added that it would be sufficient for normal races.

Earlier in his speech Dr Mahathir said it was nice to come back to the circuit as it almost felt like home to him.

"The circuit is still thriving and the people running it have lots of ideas.I think exciting things are awaiting Malaysians," he said.

Dr Mahathir added that when they launched the circuit almost 20 years ago they never thought how much of interest they would generate with motorsports fans.

He also said that Sepang has developed in the last 20 years as one of the best known circuits in motor racing but added that more can be done to improve the track.

"I'm glad to see the people running it have ideas to enlarge it, add more facilities and more sports so that it can become a motor-city and everyone interested in motoring and engineering can come here and learn how to move forward in this field.

He said this was important for Malaysia as we cannot be regarded as a developed country unless we have skills other developed countries have.

"The field of engineering is not static. There should be a lot of innovation to keep us ahead of others who are in this field," he said adding that he was glad to see the circuit available to motorists at night.

Dr Mahathir said it was thought to be difficult at first and too costly to implement.

"Now it has become a reality and it is indeed an honour to launch this addition to circuit so it can be used around the clock," he said.

Meanwhile ,Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said the government will not be welcoming back Formula One (F1) events and will continue to focus on two-wheeled motorsport events.

He added that the financial resources needed to run the event could be better spent developing the Sepang International Circuit further.

“Cabinet has decided to move away from F1 and focus on two-wheeled sports instead, including MotoGP and other superbike races. F1 It is costly, and we know it has diminishing marginal returns," said Syed Saddiq.

“We will continue to discuss the transformation of Sepang and how it can be further boosted as a motorsports hub,” he added.