KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 — Formula One’s (F1) return to the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) presents Malaysia with a golden opportunity to rebuild its motorsport ecosystem, according to Malaysia’s former F1 driver Alex Yoong.

He said the F1’s return would carry greater significance if it left a lasting legacy beyond the race itself, by encouraging greater investment in grassroots motorsport, driver development and regional racing, creating a stronger pathway for Malaysian talent to progress to the highest levels of the sport.

Speaking to Bernama in an interview recently, Yoong stressed that hosting F1 must be backed by a compelling commercial case and a clear long-term vision of what the event could deliver for Malaysia beyond a single race weekend.

The championship could generate benefits, including boosting tourism, creating business opportunities and raising Malaysia’s international profile.

Yoong made history when he became Malaysia’s first F1 driver, racing for Minardi in 2001. 

He competed in 18 Grands Prix (GP) from 2001 to 2002, and currently holds the record as the only Malaysian driver to compete in F1, which is the highest class of motor racing.

He remains one of the country’s most recognisable figures in motorsport, continuing to channel his passion for the sport through his work as a motorsport broadcaster.

“As someone who has raced in F1 and spent much of my career developing motorsport in Malaysia and the region, it is great to see a track from Southeast Asia back on the world’s foremost racing calendar,” said Yoong.

Creating a lasting legacy for Malaysian motorsport 

While F1 represents the pinnacle of motorsport, Yoong said sustained support for the talent development pathway would be just as important if the championship returns to Malaysia, helping more Malaysians compete on the international stage.

“My hope is that it reignites support for the entire local motorsport ecosystem, from sim racing and karting right through to professional championships,” he added.

Sim racing is the collective term for racing games that use realistic hardware and software to replicate the experience of driving a real race car, incorporating real-world variables such as fuel usage, damage, and tire wear.

SIC poised to win over new generation of drivers

On Sunday, Formula One and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) confirmed that Malaysia will host the F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the SIC from October 2 to 4, between the Azerbaijan and Singapore GP.

The event marks F1’s first race in Malaysia since the Malaysian F1 GP was discontinued after the 2017 season.

Despite many drivers on the current grid having never raced at the SIC, Yoong said he was confident they would relish the challenge the circuit offers.

Only six of the 22 drivers on the current F1 grid have previously raced at the SIC, namely Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Max Verstappen, Sergio Pérez, Carlos Sainz Jr. and Pierre Gasly.

With its modern design and diverse track layout, previous F1 drivers have noted SIC’s distinctive overtaking opportunities.

“The drivers will enjoy it.. the whole paddock likes coming to Malaysia for the GP,” he said.

Yoong made his final F1 appearance at the Japanese GP in Suzuka in October 2002, before enjoying various success across international racing, including victories with A1 Team Malaysia, participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and bagging three consecutive Audi R8 LMS Cup titles.

Today, he plays an active role in developing the next generation of racers as head coach and driver mentor for Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s Young Talent Development Programme, while also guiding Malaysia’s national e-Racing team and mentoring emerging drivers, including his son, Alister. — Bernama