Moto GP Riders, Loris Capirossi, Hector Barberá, Hiroshi Aoyama and Nicholas Terol set aside their bikes and rode elephants instead as they visited the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Center in the middle of the Pahang Jungle recently.

The riders who are set to race in this weekend’s Shell Advance Malaysian MotoGP on 24th and 25th October at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) were treated to a one of a kind experience to connect with nature in its purest form.

The rider’s participated in a host of activities, which allowed them to get up close and personal with these magnificent mammals such as hand feeding the elephants during their lunch and enjoying the extraordinary experience riding on them.

125cc top rider Terol took the opportunity to ride the elephant in the river. “I’ve always loved animals and this is was my first time having such a close encounter with these amazing animals I almost felt like Mogly from Jungle Book,” shared the young Jack & Jones WRB Aprilia team rider.

“In contrast to Japan’s urban jungle filled with high rise buildings, this was a fascinating journey to come out here to experience elephants in such a beautiful environment,” said Hiroshi Aroyama who rides with the Scot Racing team in the 250cc.

Capirossi who is by far the most experienced rider on the MotoGP grid with a wealth of knowledge and a pedigree in Grand Prix racing that few can challenge, enjoyed his experience feeding the elephants and absorbing the lush green surroundings.

Hector Barbera who coincidently has a tattoo of an elephant said “These elephants face a very real danger of extinction and are certainly no laughing matter. Hence it was both sad yet encouraging to witness them be rehabilitated and relocated to a greener pastures.”

The sanctuary’s caretakers, part of the Malaysian Department of Wildlife and National Parks, shared a brief history of the establishment communicating the importance of such efforts in preserving the almost extinct Asian elephant.

The Kuala Gandah elephant sanctuary was established in 1989, aimed at locating, subduing and translocating elephants from areas where their habitats are encroached by plantations or other human developments, to other suitable habitats throughout the peninsular such as Taman Negara.  Presently the Kuala Ghanda sanctuary houses 17 elephants ranging from the age of 5 to 71 years old which are brought in not only parts of Malaysia but also from countries such as Thailand, Myanmar and India.

Apart from the action packed racing, this year’s Malaysian MotoGP is expected to be the most interactive ever where fans can be more than spectators and be presented with a money can’t buy experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the riders and teams through the various activities that will be organized by the SIC.

Come Friday 23rd October, 1000 students from local schools, universities and higher learning centers nationwide will be joining MotoGP fans for the Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix pit walkabout under the “Taking Motorsport to School Program” which Sepang International Circuit is sponsoring tickets to schools nationwide.

The walkabout session which last about an hour will give the students and fans a close up to the teams. Apart from the bikes that will be on display on that day, riders will also be available and if you smile big enough you’d probably get an autograph with them.

Fans of MotoGP can also join in the event as it is open to public to join in, no ticket is needed for entry. Then on raceday, Sunday 25th, the 1000 will be joined by another 4000 students with their complementary tickets to watch the race.

And that’s not all, “This year we have teamed up with some of the regions most popular artists to ensure fans are treated to a perpetual MotoGP high with a concert made up of some of the regions biggest artists,” said SIC CEO Razlan Razali.

The concert promises a breathtaking performance by artists from Malaysia’s queen of rock - Ella, top Indonesian band Nidji, Jinbara and Hujan on Sunday the 25th at 4.30pm.

Rob Caudill who is known to be the best Rod Stewart impersonator in the world will have his audience up on their feet with his high energy and not to be missed performance on Saturday the 24th Oct at 1.30pm and Sunday the 25th Oct at 2pm.

Amongst the exciting on and off track programmes to look forward to are:

* Autograph sessions with the riders on Oct 24
* Bikes Showcases
* 2 wheels stunt shows
* Guided garage tours
* Taxi rides on the track in MotoGP Official Safety Car
* Race side by side the MotoGP riders in a special go kart event

To ensure that fans have all the convenience of transportation, SIC has taken the necessary measures to provide circuit transfers in collaboration with SkyBus at strategic pick up points in Klang Valley, Nilai, LCCT and KLIA. Tickets are priced reasonably from RM4 to RM15 per way. Parking fees for cars and bikes are priced respectively at RM5.00 and RM2.00 per entry.

Malaysian MotoGP tickets are only RM80 for Main Grandstand and RM30 for K1 Grandstand. These tickets are available at SIC ticket outlets in SIC, KL Sentral, Kiosk in LCCT and www.sepangcircuit.com or visit our ticket agents.

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