KUALA LUMPUR – Sepang International Circuit (SIC) aims to welcome fans back to this year’s Malaysian Grand Prix with a host of new activities and improved facilities centralised around fans’ experience at the circuit.
Officially renamed Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia after the energy company was announced as the title sponsor yesterday, SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman said that the new Malaysian Grand Prix is aimed at celebrating the return of spectators after an absence of two years.
“The past two years have been very tough for SIC as we had to deal with the pandemic hence why we decided to go with the theme #WelcomeHome to signify the return of motorsports fans to the event.
“To celebrate the excitement, we will be featuring new activities this year − something different − which we will announced soon,” Azhan said in a press conference today following the announcement that MotoGP will race at SIC for at least another three years.
Azhan added that the circuit is undergoing several refurbishments, including upgrading the roof of the main grandstand and repairing the washrooms.
To further improve the comfort level of spectators, the circuit is also looking at sprucing up the grandstand seats.
SIC aims to sell as many tickets as the last MotoGP event − which was 170,000 − if not more.
Azhan also said that those who have purchased tickets last year will be able to redeem it for this year’s Grand Prix on October 21-23.
The Malaysian round of the 2021 MotoGP was scheduled to run from October 22-24 but was cancelled due to travel restrictions and quarantine protocols as well as other factors pertaining to the pandemic.
Ticketholders, who will be entitled to free parking during this year’s event, also have the option of getting a refund from SIC or using their tickets to redeem merchandise.
“This year, in our move to preserve the environment, we will be going paperless with e-tickets. Fans who have made a purchase will receive an e-ticket, which they would have to use to gain entry to the event,” he said.
However, Azhan added that the maximum number of spectators allowed would depend on the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the government, which will be announced on April 1.
“We hope to gain more spectators and seeing that motorsports is a family event, we hope that the government will permit children to be part of the experience,” he added.
Meanwhile, commenting on bringing back Formula One to the country, Azhan explained that they would have to see if it makes commercial sense for the government to consider hosting the championship again. – The Vibes, March 24, 2022
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