00:01International Automobile Federation President Mohamed Ben Sulayem
00:04says Malaysia needs a business plan spanning at least five years
00:08if it wants Formula One to return.
00:11Ben Sulayem said Malaysia already had the track, investment,
00:14and motorsport foundation needed to host F1.
00:17But any return required proper planning and a clear assessment
00:21of its economic and tourism benefits, Bernama reported.
00:25He added that the plan should cover financing, promotion, and logistics,
00:29with FIA prepared to support Malaysia if those elements were properly mapped out.
00:34Ben Sulayem also noted there was room for Malaysia on the calendar,
00:37which could expand to 25 races from the current 24.
00:41However, he stressed that FIA preferred adding more teams
00:45rather than simply increasing the number of races.
00:48Malaysia last hosted Formula One in 2017,
00:50before the government decided not to renew its contract over concerns about hosting costs.
00:55Ben Sulayem also urged Malaysia to look beyond F1 by developing karting,
01:01cross-car racing, and rallying.
01:03He said the response to the Baring Grand Prix at Sepang
01:05showed there was still strong local passion for motorsport.
01:09Adrian Fernandez, FMT.
