KUALA LUMPUR – The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) confirmed today that the Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix has secured a two-year contract extension, extending its tenure until 2026.
Although an official announcement has yet to be made, SIC chief executive Azhan Shafriman Hanif said that both the Malaysian government and Dorna, the commercial rights holders for motorcycling sports, have granted SIC the approval to continue hosting the event for an additional two years.
The previous two-year contract between SIC and Dorna was signed in 2022.
According to Shafriman, the Malaysian GP has remained a permanent fixture for over three decades due to its high return on investment (ROI), which reportedly stands at 3.5 times the annual investment.
This extension is a significant boost for the Malaysian government, which has been keen on stimulating the local economy.
Speaking at the 2024 Malaysian GP launch event in KLCC, Shafriman stated: “As you know, the Malaysian government has invested significantly in bringing MotoGP to Malaysia. Currently, the ROI is 3.5 times the investment for each MotoGP series. This is what I can share.
“So, it is very timely that we have received the green light from the government to continue hosting the Malaysian GP for another two years. We have already confirmed this with Dorna, although we have not yet made an official announcement.
“This year’s Malaysian GP, scheduled for November 1-3, is particularly special as it marks a triple celebration: SIC’s 25th anniversary, Petronas’ 50th anniversary and Dorna’s 75th anniversary.”
Shafriman also noted that the target audience for this year is 200,000, which is 20,000 more than last year’s turnout.
“In conjunction with the triple celebration, we have lined up a host of exciting events this year. One of the highlights is the After Race Festival, which will feature major acts like rapper Macklemore, 90s rock band Smash Mouth, Indonesian rock band Nidji, Indonesian group Feel Koplo, Malaysian rock band 6ixth Sense and Malaysian all-female pop group De Fam.
“Additionally, we are continuing our Ticket Rahmah initiative, offering fans the chance to purchase tickets for as low as RM49.90 for three days. I believe this is the cheapest rate worldwide.
“With 50% of tickets already sold, we are hopeful of attracting at least 200,000 attendees this year,” added Shafriman, who was joined by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim.
For the record, the Malaysian GP was first hosted in Malaysia in 1991. The first seven editions were held in Batu Tiga, Shah Alam, before the race was moved to Pasir Gudang, Johor for one year in 1998.
Since 1999, the Malaysian GP has been held at SIC, except for 2020 and 2021, when the race was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. – August 20, 2024