V8 Supercars to race on Malaysia's streets

V8 Supercars will race in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from next year. V8 Supercars chief executive James Warburton yesterday signed a heads of agreement for four years of racing at the Kuala Lumpur City Grand Prix.

The agreement was announced by Warburton and KL City Grand Prix chief executive M. Arrasu.

The KL City Grand Prix is staged on a 3.2km circuit with 16 corners and on the city's most famous streets.

Red Bull Racing Australia's Craig Lowndes, Wilson Security Racing GRM's Scott McLaughlin, Prodrive Racing Australia's Chaz Mostert, Erebus Motorsport's Will Davison and Nissan Motorsport's Todd Kelly will be part of a V8 mission to Kuala Lumpur on August 7 for a demonstration that should put an exclamation point on the deal.

The KL City Grand Prix is staged on a 3.2km circuit with 16 corners and on the city's most famous streets.

"We are absolutely delighted to begin this partnership with the KL City Grand Prix and be the first international racing series to participate at this spectacular event," Warburton said.

"With a TV audience of hundreds of millions, the KL City Grand Prix will be shining the spotlight squarely on the world's best touring car championship in one of the world's greatest cities." Warburton said the deal was 'right for the KL City Grand Prix, right for our great V8 Supercars championship and right for our race teams and right for our sponsors".

"Having four championship races in Kuala Lumpur until 2019, in close reach of Australia and in a similar time zone for our fans, are key ingredients," he said. 'We would envisage many fans would make their way to Kuala Lumpur to watch us race live on what will be one of the world's most spectacular street tracks." A successful demonstration will revive the sport's international ambitions after failed attempts in the US and Middle East.

"We are delighted to kick off our partnership with V8 Supercars," Arrasu said. 'Certainly this renowned race series already has a well-established following among motor racing enthusiasts not only in the ASEAN region, but also around the world.

"The introduction of the V8 Supercars will further charge up the already exciting program of this inaugural KL City Grand Prix this August.

"The KL City Grand Prix this year includes several hallmark international series as well our very own flagship race that will feature champion drivers from around the world, the GT City Cup.

"We look forward to welcoming V8 Supercars fans from Australia and around the world, who will converge to keep track of their favourite V8 Supercars teams. You will all relish the wonderful hospitality and charm that Malaysia has to offer." Warburton has not ruled out pursuing further Asian events. Thailand is a possible sister destination for Malaysia.