Celebrating the 10th edition of the Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, race promoter Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has set a target for a record turnout for the 2008 F1 race with an attendance of not less than 50,000 foreign spectators especially from Singapore.

"It is with that mission in mind that SIC decided to do heavy promotions in Melaka and Johor Bahru, which are our key roadshow venues this year to attract the fans from Singapore," says SIC Advertising and Promotions Manager Azlan Akil. He said the Singapore market contributed not less than 20,000 spectators last year for the Malaysian GP and SIC was confident that it could further increase this year with the increased interest for F1 among racing fans in the island republic.

The cities of Melaka and Johor Bahru are popular spots for weekend retreats for Singaporeans in Malaysia. The state of Melaka is targeting 500,000 foreign tourists per month for the year 2008. Last year, Melaka recorded a total of 5.5 million tourist arrivals of which 1.2 million were foreigners. The largest number of tourist arrivals in Melaka was from South East Asia; followed by West Asia and Europe.

"There has always been a huge interest for F1 in Singapore and now, it is even bigger with the staging of the first F1 race in Singapore," he said, adding that SIC had targeted half of the 50,000 foreign spectators to be from Singapore.

With an attendance of more than 115,000 last year, SIC has targeted a record attendance of 125,000 for the 2008 race. Malaysia will host Round 2 of the 2008 Formula One World Championship from March 21 to 23. The new season opens in Melbourne, Australia on the preceding weekend.

Organised since 1999, the Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix is more than just a race for Malaysia as it had become an effective tool for promotion of Malaysia in the international arena especially as a tourist destination.

"On average, 40 percent of the spectators who come to Sepang Circuit on race day are foreigners. That translates to 40,000 tourists who have come in to enjoy Malaysia and all that it has to offer. The economic impact has been analysed by several universities and it has been massive," Azlan said.

He also pointed out that the F1 celebrations would not just be at the circuit; adding that SIC would be working closely with Tourism Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Ministry of Federal Territory to turn Kuala Lumpur into a city of festivals for the event.

"Tourists and visitors to the city are ensured of a colourful extravaganza every time F1 visits Malaysia. The celebrations include concerts, parties, shopping sales, carnivals and so much more. The impact on the tourism industry, mainly felt by the hotels, F&B outlets, shopping outlets and malls, is huge," he said.

The mission to secure that record attendance would also be helped by the staging of four support races along with the feature F1 race during that weekend.

"Our race weekend will be packed with racing. Besides the F1 race, we will have Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, Formula BMW Asia, Speedcar Series and GP2 Asia. Some of you may not be familiar with the last two series. Speedcar is a sports car series featuring ex-F1 drivers in 600bhp stock cars. GP2 Asia is the Asian edition of the series that saw the emergence of current F1 drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton.

"So you will enjoy five races in one weekend and it will be very exciting. And good value for money. So please be at the circuit early this year or you will miss a lot of racing. And come on Friday and Saturday as there will be a lot happening on those days too," Azlan added.

After Melaka, the F1 Roadshow would proceed to Kuala Lumpur and Penang before going to City Square Johor Bahru from February 29 to March 2.

For details, contact SIC Media Relations Executive Irwan A. Rahman at 017-3725777.

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