Ecclestone calls for Sepang upgrade

08/04/2007

Taking time off from criticising circuits in the 'new third world' (Europe), Bernie Ecclestone has warned the powers that be at the Sepang International Circuit - which hosted its first Grand Prix in 1999, just 8 years ago - that the track needs a "tidy up". Ironically, the Englishman used the very same expression he has long used with regards Silverstone: "(it's) like an old house that needs a bit of redecorating," he said.

Talking to the New Straits Times, Ecclestone said: They did such a fantastic job when it first started, but now it has become, if you don't mind, like an old house that needs a bit of redecorating.

"It's a difficult place to maintain," he admitted, "as it's very big. It's starting to get a little shabby and looks a bit tired. The circuit itself is fine, it's the general structure around (that needs work). Like I said, it's very hard to keep it tidy and clean. There is rubbish all over the place and it's not really a good sign for Malaysia. We're on worldwide television, and it needs to look good, much like in the beginning.