Germany's ex-F1 driver Jochen Maas dies aged 78
Mass began his F1 career with Surtees before moving on to McLaren.
Mass's sole F1 win came in Spain in 1975.
But he only picked up half points for his landmark success as the race was cancelled following a crash involving his teammate Rolf Stommelen which killed several fans.
In 1982 he left F1, winning the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1989.
'It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the death of Jochen Mass today following complications after a stroke in February,' his family reported.
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Barnama
16 hours ago
- Barnama
Funding, Planning Key To Malaysia's F1 Comeback
A Formula 1 (F1) comeback in Malaysia is not off the table, but it will not happen without serious funding, strategic planning and nationwide commitment, said Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif. 'Even if we plan this, it could be in the next three to five years. (It's) because of the planning, because of the funding, and because of the coordination that we need to do within ministries and also corporate companies. 'But it can happen, I believe it can happen…,' Azhan Shafriman told Bernama in an interview recently. After joining the Formula 1 calendar in 1999, Malaysia last hosted an F1 Grand Prix in 2017. Since then, the sport has undergone a transformation, both in terms of global audience and commercial focus. With the Netflix-fuelled resurgence of F1 fandom and the explosion of Asian sports tourism, Malaysia is suddenly back in the conversation. But the question remains: is Malaysia ready to make the leap? REGIONAL PRESSURE, GLOBAL COMPETITION F1's expansion in Asia is accelerating, with Thailand set to debut on the calendar in 2028 and Singapore continuing its popular night race. 'If that happens, we're going to be stuck between Singapore and Thailand on the calendar,' Azhan Shafriman said, noting the geopolitical and commercial significance of regional positioning. He said SIC stands ready to coordinate a potential comeback, acting as the bridge between government stakeholders and the Formula 1 management. However, two major challenges persist, namely securing a slot in the tightly packed 24-race calendar and obtaining sufficient funding. And that calendar is already full, with more countries waiting in line. 'We are still in discussions with them (F1), building trust. They want to come back here, but the questions are: who's going to fund it and where do we fit in the calendar… there's always that element of luck,' he said. This means Malaysia is not only competing with Thailand and Singapore but with new and emerging bidders from around the globe. Demand for a slot on the calendar is high, and Formula 1 is known to be strategic in choosing venues that maximise global exposure, sponsorship and logistical balance. On the other hand, F1's pivot to city-based street circuits such as those in Baku (Azerbaijan), and Miami and Las Vegas (the United States) presents an additional challenge. 'The direction that I see now, Formula 1 is moving towards street racing as compared to permanent circuits. But then again, for racing, Sepang makes sense because it is built for Formula 1,' said Azhan Shafriman. He also noted that the last time Malaysia organised F1 events, the country paid associated fees – Formula One Management – of between US$50 million and US$55 million back in 2017. 'Now, through (the) Netflix (series) 'Formula 1: Drive to Survive' and the F1 movie, its popularity has increased,' he added. With F1's growing international fan base and commercial profile, Azhan Shafriman raised a critical point about affordability and fan expectations. 'Whether there is a slot which is open for us to come back is one question. But the public also needs to consider that ticket pricing will be expensive if they want Formula 1 to return,' he said, adding that the nature of F1 has always been associated with a premium price tag. 'Now or before, ticket prices have always been high for Formula 1. It has always been more expensive than MotoGP (the world's premier motorcycle racing championship). And we've hosted both, we know the difference. A lot of people want Formula 1 to come back. But the real question is, when we sell the tickets, will there be any take-up?' According to him, the cost difference is unavoidable given the scale of investment required for F1. He also pointed to the changing direction under F1's current owner, Liberty Media, which emphasises a broader event experience. 'With Liberty Media injecting more of a lifestyle and entertainment concept into race weekends, the premium for F1 tickets has to be higher compared to MotoGP,' he added. Nevertheless, SIC intends to cater to wider audience groups. 'There will be instances where we provide special seating for those who want to attend. Just like we do for MotoGP with the K2 Hillstand and Ticket Rahmah, we'll look at similar options for Formula 1,' he said. Despite rising operational costs and competitive pressures, Azhan Shafriman stressed that the Sepang circuit remains a purpose-built, world-class racing venue. 'Sepang was built for Formula 1, with wide lanes, sweeping corners and overtaking zones. It would be a waste to host it somewhere else when we have this beautiful circuit,' he said. VALUE OF F1: BEYOND THE TRACK Azhan Shafriman argued that Formula 1 is one of the few global sports products that transcends the race itself, blending engineering, national pride and elite competition. 'Formula 1 is easy to understand because it's broadcast week in, week out. The amount of engineering, technology… the stamp that comes around with Formula 1, it cannot compare with any other sports in the world,' he said. Beyond the desire to host an F1 race lies another, more emotionally charged goal: putting a Malaysian driver in Formula 1. 'We had Alex Yoong last time. We almost got Jazeman (Jaafar) into the seat,' Azhan Shafriman said. But the pathway to F1 is notoriously brutal. 'There are only like 20 seats. And there are hundreds, if not thousands of young kids who are queuing up for the seat,' he added. Most elite drivers begin karting before they even hit their teenage years. From there, they ascend through national racing series, Formula 3 and Formula 2, with each step more expensive than the last. 'If we have this target to put a Malaysian Formula 1 driver, it needs to start from the grassroots. There needs to be a lot of events being held in Malaysia, go-kart and so on,' he said. Now, a new frontier is emerging: virtual racing, with sim-racing and e-sports becoming legitimate feeder platforms for real-world motorsports. 'There's a step right now that we're looking into that starts from e-sports, then you go on to real racing. If you've seen the movie 'Gran Turismo', it's based on a true story… that guy started from sim-racing and then he went on to do real racing,' he said. ECONOMIC MULTIPLIER EFFECTS Azhan Shafriman, meanwhile, believes Malaysia is underestimating the tourism and economic benefits of international events like F1 and MotoGP. Based on SIC's economic impact study, a single international spectator contributes over RM7,700 during a seven- to 10-day stay in Malaysia, a figure that scales up rapidly with attendance. 'For 2022 and 2023, the return was about 3.5. Last year, it went up by double… about six, almost six,' he said, referring to the return-on-investment multiplier for MotoGP. 'Our neighbours are doing it… Singapore, Thailand, even Indonesia. And if we don't step up, we are going to lose more ground,' he warned. He also said Malaysia needs a strategist to assess all the events that can be brought in. While avoiding direct criticism of policymakers, he urged a more strategic and centralised approach to event acquisition. 'I'm not saying that the government is not doing its job. I'm just saying that it could be more strategic,' he said. Azhan Shafriman called for a bold rethinking of how Malaysia courts global events, particularly in terms of regulations and red tape. 'We need someone like that (strategist) in our country to look at all these events that we can pull in… because if we need to be global, there's some leeway that we need to give away. But not affecting the principle of it. 'I mean, we have to respect that Malaysia is a Muslim country. But then again, there are certain things that we have to be relaxed about in order for these people to come. We can't be so restrictive. If not, people will be running away to the neighbouring country,' he said, adding that if Formula 1 were to return to Malaysia, SIC could take on the role of coordinating it. He also credited the resilience of his team for keeping the Sepang circuit on track throughout the uncertainties of the pandemic, budget constraints and high expectations. 'I've a brilliant team behind me that supported me throughout the years… I owe it to them,' he said. He then added, 'Sepang is more than just a circuit. It is a symbol of what Malaysia could be if it dares to get back on the grid.' -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Sepang can light up again with F1 night race
SHOULD Malaysia bring Formula One back to Sepang Circuit? I believe the answer is yes, but only if it is done in a new and more exciting way which allows it to bring greater benefits to the country, both from a financial and nation branding perspective. When Malaysia made the decision to drop Formula One in 2017 , the championship, dubbed boring by many at the time, had suffered a substantial decline in popularity worldwide which was reflected both in terms of viewership and ticket sales at the track. The situation, however, has completely turned on its head since new owners Liberty Media took over in 2017. The Drive to Survive Netflix series, which began airing in 2019, and the introduction of Saturday sprint races in 2021 has significantly boosted interest in the championship. While Mercedes dominated Formula One for most of the 2010s, the balance of power has now shifted a number of times in recent years, making it more exciting for fans. With a younger, more diverse demographic of fans on board, a new generation of sponsors has started to pour big money into the sport. To fully capitalise on its revived popularity, I believe Sepang should look to host Formula One as a night race. This is due to a number of reasons. Night races are generally more exciting to watch as they break away from the norm and are more aesthetically pleasing when viewed, be it on television or mobile devices. Starting the Sepang main race at 9pm instead of the Malaysian GP's traditional 3pm start would likely boost viewership in Europe substantially. Instead of 8am or 9am, families in Europe can thus watch the race start at between 2pm to 3pm, a great way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with the children. The third reason is Sepang is prone to heavy rainfall in the afternoon. Starting the race at 9pm would lower the risk of the race being a washout. Boosting viewership is important to strengthen the branding of the race. Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad commissioned Sepang Circuit in the 1990s to specifically host Formula One and put Malaysia on the global sporting map. Besides the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia (MotoGP Malaysia), Malaysia currently does not host any truly global sporting events that have the calibre nor pedigree of Formula One. Bringing Formula One back to Sepang will, however, cost money, big money. Current Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif believes it will cost Malaysia over RM300 million to host it annually. That does not include refurbishment costs to upgrade the track's lighting infrastructure to meet FIA specifications, if the race is to be held at night. This is funding that will mostly have to come from the government, a government that is currently grappling with economic issues which have burdened ordinary Malaysians. Announcing such a massive commitment could anger the rakyat, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet. Not an ideal situation for a government that is set to face the next general elections in two years. But with Formula One's revived popularity, the possibility of replicating the financial success of MotoGP in Malaysia is not unrealistic. SIC recently claimed that the highly popular Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia (MotoGP) provides 6.3 times return on investment for Malaysia based on an economic impact study conducted last year. Shafriman said SIC and "many other stakeholders from the government and corporate sector" want Formula One back but stressed that it will require time and cooperation from all stakeholders to make it a success. Even if Malaysia decides to bring back the race, it will take at least a few years for it to be held here again. This is because there is a long waiting list for spots in the Formula One calendar as other nations are also interested in hosting the event. On the bright side, this will give Malaysia more time to prepare a comprehensive plan involving a variety of ministries, agencies and the corporate sector to make the race a success when it returns to Malaysian soil. A number of Formula One drivers, including Lewis Hamilton himself, have stated that they would love to see Formula One returning to Sepang, which is one of the most technical and demanding circuits in modern motorsports. A quick check on any social media video of old Formula One races at Sepang will have fans commenting that they hope to see the track once again hosting the pinnacle of four-wheeled racing. SIC have now made it clear they want the race back, fans around the world want the race back and the many local stakeholders also want it. But is the government willing to take on such a massive investment, with no guarantee of success?
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Motor racing-Piastri gets his own grandstand for 2026 Australian GP
MELBOURNE (Reuters) -Formula One leader Oscar Piastri will have a grandstand named after him at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix next year, by which time the McLaren driver could be returning home as world champion. The Melbourne-born 24-year-old, who has yet to stand on the Albert Park podium in three attempts, leads British teammate Lando Norris by nine points after 14 of the season's 24 rounds. Piastri has already won more races in a single season than any other Australian driver since the world championship started in 1950, with six so far this year along with three second places. "It feels very surreal and I never thought this would happen but the support is incredible and I can't wait to see it all come together next March," he said in an Australian Grand Prix statement. The stand will be on the main straight, opposite the pit lane, with the existing Fangio grandstand expanded and sectioned in two. Champions Jack Brabham and Alan Jones, along with retired F1 drivers Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo, also have stands named after them. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Ken Ferris)
