20 February 2009, BY Sepang Circuit
A post-race open-air concert featuring superstar Jamiroquai will be among the new additions of supporting events for the upcoming 2009 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, which race promoter Sepang International Circuit (SIC) aimed to make as the best ever.
Declaring themselves as the new SIC and priding a new logo and motto 'Alive with Adrenalin, the Malaysian Formula One race promoter has also included a few other new events including pit garage visits for lucky ticket buyers, track experience and an F1 drivers autograph session – similar to their highly successful MotoGP riders' autograph session conducted at the previous two Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
"Like what we did with the MotoGP riders, we hoped to line up all the F1 drivers to meet the fans and to have their autographs at the circuit. We will be announcing the full details as we come closer to the event," SIC Chief Executive Officer Razlan Razali said at the Media Launch of the 2009 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur today.
It was the first event of the revamped SIC, which now carries a new tagline - Alive with Adrenalin and the focus of the new SIC would be to engage more closely with F1 enthusiasts and racing fans; injecting more live and energy on the track with the aim of bridging the gap between motorsports and real-life human experiences.
For the Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, which would be held from April 3 to 5, SIC had incorporated a three-point formula – The Fun, The Experience, The Convenience – along with the actual Race.
F1 enthusiasts would be treated to a 360 degree experience to cherish, with free access to the Mall area on Friday, April 3 to savour the track practice and qualifying session. Running up to the event, fans could also win themselves attractive rewards and goodies at the pre-event road-shows.
"Race enthusiasts will also get to participate in an online contest and win themselves exclusive Go-kart sessions with professional drivers, besides limited access Pit Tours and of course, the meet the F1 drivers session," said Razlan, who was appointed to the post in October last year.
"It has personally been a non-stop adrenalin rush for all of us at the circuit. We have been working day and night, non-stop to ensure that every motorsports enthusiast who comes to SIC goes back not just having witnessed a race, but carrying with him or her, an experience to remember for a long time to come. Never before has the racing fan had a chance to be transported into a different world for three whole days," added Razlan.
Entering its 11th edition, the 2009 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix is the second round of a 17-leg world championship this season and would be held from April 3 to 5. The new season would open at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia on the preceding weekend.
"It's going to be a very different kind of Formula One event in Sepang this year. And, of course, the race would be starting later at 5pm this year instead of the usual 3pm. I believe it's going to be more enjoyable for the drivers and competing teams as well as the fans as it would be a much cooler race this year.
Targeting a full-capacity of 130,000 spectators for the race, Razlan, who organized international shows and music festivals with Pineapple Concerts prior to his appointment in SIC, said the circuit was taking full opportunity from the change in timing to increase the excitement level for the event especially through the Jamiroquai concert after the race.
"The concert would be open for free for all ticket-holders. It will be held after the race at 8pm in the open field at the helipad area. It's a massive area that could hold at least 50,000 people and it's a perfect area for a world class performance like Jamiroquai," said Razlan, adding that SIC would be going on a regional roadshow as well to promote the race and the supporting events to woo in the foreign tourists.
Famous for its funk acid jazz music, Jamiroquai was initially the most prominent component in the early-1990s acid jazz movement, alongside groups such as Incognito, the Galliano and Corduroy. The band has sold over 21 million records all over the world.
Running up to Race Day and the post-race concert, Razlan said that a host of activities had already been lined up for fans to enjoy; stressing that the 2009 Formula Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix was definitely something that no racing fans and music lovers want to miss.
"For the race weekend, SIC wants to create a carnival like party. Think fast cars, men on stilts, beautiful women and loud music. Away from the circuit, the Kuala Lumpur Grand Prix City programmes will provide further entertainment and fun for the fans," said Razlan who strongly believes the weekend should be a combination of music and motorsports.
A welcome cocktail party would be held on Thursday (April 2) for the F1 fraternity and fans; and this would be followed by the grand Gala Dinner on Friday April 3) with JT Taylor of Kool and the Gang as the star performer.
Priced as low as RM100 and regarded as one the cheapest in the F1 calendar, tickets for the 2009 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix can be purchased by calling TICKET HOTLINE at 03-87782222 or via internet at www.sepangcircuit.com.
For spectators comfort and convenience, SIC would be working closely with its partners in offering various service packages including transportation through the ERL network and Skybus to the venue along with a complimentary KLCC Tourist card.
For details, contact SIC Media Manager Irwan A. Rahman at 017-3725777.
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