14 October 2008, BY Sepang International Circuits
Dorna, the worldwide holders for the MotoGP world championship series, has agreed to extend its contract with Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to host the Malaysian round for another two years until 2010.
Razlan was confident of achieving the 70,000-spectators target for the weekend
Announcing this today, SIC Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali said that the circuit would be arranging a signing ceremony with Dorna to officially mark the partnership this Saturday at the circuit.
“Naturally, this is a massive incentive for Malaysia in our efforts to develop motor sports in the country especially in our efforts to develop Malaysian riders to compete in the Grand Prix. The last Malaysian rider to compete in the GP was Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini in 2002 and I believe it is long overdue for Malaysia to have riders competing in the GP.
“On our part, it would centre on developing further the Malaysian Super Series in unearthing new talents among the locals. We will also support the other bike series especially the Petronas Sprinta Malaysian Cub Prix Championship and the FIM Asian Grand Prix, which compete regularly in Sepang,” he told a press conference at the circuit today.
Malaysia has hosted the series since 1991with SIC taking over the duties previously undertaken by Batu Tiga Circuit in Shah Alam and the Johor Circuit in Pasir Gudang since 1999. The 2008 Polini Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, which would be held this weekend in Sepang, marked the 18th edition of the Malaysian GP.
Razlan, who took office as chief executive of the circuit six days ago, said that as a biker, it was frustrating that no Malaysian would be competing in any of the GP classes even as a wildcard for ‘a long time’.
“My mission in SIC would be to at least have Malaysian riders competing as wild card within the next year. In fact, I hope to work of having them competing even next year in Sepang,” said Razlan, adding that there were plenty of local talents that could be further developed to become world class riders.
Razlan declared that the circuit was ready to stage the race
Razlan, who also inspected the track with his charges to prepare for the official track inspection on Thursday, also declared that the circuit was ready to stage the race, adding that he was very happy with all the preparations and the commitment of his new charges.
At the press conference, he also elaborated on all the activities to be held at the circuit and promotional programmes around the city; saying it was going to an exciting weekend and that he was confident of achieving the 70,000-spectators target for the weekend.
In view of that, Razlan recommended fans to make full use of the public transporation – the ERL, KTM Commuter and taxis – to find the way to and out of the circuit.
Razlan recommended fans to make full use of the public transporation
“Fans can use the ERL and the KTM Commuter and then take shuttle buses from Nilai and KLIA. Park your cars at KL Sentral and then take the ERL or the KTM Commuter to have a hassle-free trip to the circuit. I would say that would be the best way to enjoy the event,” he added.
Tickets for the Main Grandstand are priced at RM80 for entry on Saturday and Sunday while the K1 Grandstand tickets are priced at RM30 for the two days. Entry on Friday is free.
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