In the wake of Bernie Ecclestone's comments regarding how he overcharged race hosts, Malaysian Grand Prix organiser Dato’ Razlan Razali says that his organisation feels suckered by former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Eccelstone.
Speaking to City AM, Razlan said, “For [Ecclestone] to come out with that statement we can’t help but feel suckered by him in some ways and quite disappointed. We thought we have a relationship. But I guess the reality is there are no loyalties in this business, it is all about dollars and cents. So with that statement, yes, it upsets us in a way.”
Malaysia will stop hosting Formula 1 after the round at Sepang International Circuit in October, but Razlan has some advice for the sport's new owners Liberty media.
He said, “[Liberty Media] are very much learning. The only personality on board that knows about Formula One is Ross Brawn. But he is an engineer. He is a technical guy."
“We just want to celebrate the final year. We don’t want to be too emotional about it. We want to give Formula One a good send off come 1 October. [In Bahrain] we presented them with what we feel would be a good plan. Unfortunately, it is something that they can’t help us with.”
Razlan also gave insight into why Malaysia decided to ditch the grand prix, “Since 2014 the numbers don’t add up anymore, so it was quite an easy decision to not host Formula One anymore. It was not difficult at all to be honest. Right now we are firm in our decision to take a long break. We are looking at a 7-10 year break."
Meanwhile Sepang will continue to host MotoGP until at least 2021, and Razlan has a clear message to Liberty Media, “They need to fix the sport. MotoGP is so successful because of the product… you don’t have to look far.”
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