Contract renewal sees the classic Malaysian track remain on the calendar for another five years
Dorna Sports and Sepang International Circuit (SIC) have announced a renewal of their contract that will see the FIM MotoGP™ World Championship remain at the venue until 2021. A favourite on the calendar and a unique challenge for both bikes and riders, the Malaysian GP is one of Asia’s flagship motorsport events and gains bigger and bigger crowds every year – with 2016 a sell-out date.
Sepang is also used as a pre-season test venue for the MotoGP™ grid and is the stage for the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup selection event every year, helping young talent from across the continent break onto the world stage. A partner in Dorna’s investment in that talent as well as a venue for MotoGP™, the contract renewal sees the relationship between SIC and Dorna stronger than ever; ready to continue both showcasing and developing the future of motorcycling in both the Asia Pacific region and worldwide.
Tan Sri Azman Yahya, Chairman of Sepang International Circuit: “I am happy to inform that we have signed a contract extension for another five years, ending 2021, that was completed this morning. We will continue with MotoGP™ for the next five years, and think we will see even better response from the public. I’m very pleased to announce this as it’s my first negotiation as the Chairman of Sepang, and I hope our decision is supported and welcomed.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO Dorna Sports: “We have been here since 1999 and it has been a long road together. We’re extremely proud of the Malaysian GP, the increasing spectator numbers and the incredible spectacle. We are proud to renew for at least these five years. Sepang is not just hosting the MotoGP™ race, but also the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup selection process that takes place here every year. Last Thursday 120 young people from across Asia came here for the event and 22 were chosen. 3 of the riders who have participated in the Asia Talent Cup recently will now be in the Moto3™ World Championship next year, and this is very important. The way that Sepang International Circuit is understanding and supporting the motorcycling world is very important. Here the organization is very good and we try and do everything together, and we are proud that Sepang International Circuit considers us such an asset.”
Dató Razlan Razali, CEO Sepang International Circuit: “It’s not very difficult to convince the Malaysian government to support the Malaysian Grand Prix because we achieve record breaking crowds every year. MotoGP™ is no longer just a spectacle for Malaysians, it is now a platform for young Malaysian talent to compete in the world championship and on home ground. I think that is key to the Malaysian GP. At the same time, it is not just an agreement between Dorna and SIC – it’s the partnership we have and the support we have for each other; the common interest we have to promote this event better and better every year. We look forward to another five years and I would like to thank everyone who made that possible.”