KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 — Kuala Lumpur City Grand Prix race ambassador Alex Yoong admitted the inagurual event could be “messy” but was optimistic of a successful event.

“Malaysia needs such an event to boost the spirit of the people.

“From all my years of racing, I can say races held in cities are usually the most successful,” the former Formula One driver said.

“These races succeed because the people are excited by something new and it becomes a family affair.”

Yoong has been supportive of the idea since it was first mooted a year ago.

Having competed in other races including Formula Three and the Le Mans Series, the 39-year-old said the organiser GT Global Race (M) Sdn Bhd and Kuala Lumpur City Hall were doing their best ahead of the Aug 7 to 9 race which would see the closure of five major roads — Jalan Sultan Ismail,

Jalan Ampang, Jalan Perak, Jalan Pinang and Jalan Raja Chulan.

This included access for motorists to get in and out of the city during race days and allowing pedestrians to cross Jalan Sultan Ismail, through the Bukit Nanas Monorail station, without paying the minimal fee of RM1.20.

Malay Mail had yesterday revealed pedestrians wanting to cross the road would have to pay the fee if they crossed using the monorail station as the road below would be closed for the race.

“The tracks will be open for 30 minutes during race intervals to allow people to cross roads. Also, the organiser has been in touch with the monorail authorities to allow pedestrians to cross without paying,” Yoong said.

He said he felt for those who would be commuting to work on Aug 7.

“When the race starts, people will see how exciting an event like this will be. I hope those working in the city will deal with this with an open mind.

“The first race could be messy but it will surely improve in future.

“It is good for the race to promote itself in a way Formula One never could,” he said.

He said he would like to see Malaysia develop into a successful racing hub like Macau.

He admitted there should be better promotion for the coming editions as the Grand Prix would be held in the city for the next five years.

“There hasn’t been much build-up to the race and two weeks is not enough to advertise for something as big as this,” he said.

“The Singapore Formula One GP started their promotions two years before the inaugural race, yet there were complaints from traders and hoteliers when it first started. Now most of the glitches have been ironed out and people look forward to the race.

“It’s the same with the Kuala Lumpur City Grand Prix which also has other events including live concerts and celebrity races.”