KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The escalating oil prices in the world market is not expected to put the brake on motorsport activities in Malaysia, organisers say.

They say any increase in fuel prices can be absorbed by them or the racers because the impact on costs should be minimum.

Some people say the price of petrol is likely to rise 30 to 50 sen per litre as world crude oil has passed the US$95 (RM320) level per barrel.

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir said: "The SIC, as an organiser of various motoring activities, feels that any increase, if it happens, will only affect the minimum cost, namely of fuel consumption.

"Perhaps, those who will really feel the pinch are road users such as car, lorry and bus owners," he said here today.

Mokhzani said the cost of fuel in a race was actually small.

For example in the 12-lap Malaysian Super Series motorcycle race at the 5.543km circuit, he said, petrol consumption was about 10 litres which roughly brought the cost to RM20.

"Even if the price of oil up 10 per cent, the impact is still very small. Moreover, some races such as the Merdeka Millennium Endurance have their sponsors like Petronas," he said.

Asked whether it was possible for rising transportation costs to dampen fan turnouts at the circuit, Mokhzani said the fans would surely have alternatives in getting to the Sepang circuit.

During Formula One and World MotoGP races, he said, public transport providers deployed special buses to bring the fans to the circuit, and they could also use the Express Rail Link.

Malaysian Motoring Association president Datuk Dr Mohamed Mydin Md Musa said: "Even if fuel prices increase, it will not affect the association's activities.

"Sometimes, the experience and satisfaction of conquering a track is more valuable than money," he said. The Malaysian Motoring Association is a club for four-wheel-drive (4x4) vehicle enthusiasts.

Motorcycle speedway organiser Hanifah Yoong also said fuel price increases would not disrupt racing activities.

The machines in motorcycle speedway races used methanol and not petrol, he said.

"Even though I expect the price of methanol will increase slightly like other fuels, the increase will not affect the races because he cost is very minimum," he said.