The MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix will continue to race at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) for “at least” another three years, with a new contract recently formalised between the circuit and Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder of the series.
Starting from this year, the Grand Prix will also see a new title sponsor, national oil company Petronas, replacing the previous sponsor Shell. Effectively, the race will now be called the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia.
In addition to the new contract, SIC, Dorna Sports and all relevant parties have also begun talks to extend the agreement until 2026. The circuit has become a staple in the FIM MotoGP World Championship, having been in the calendar since 1999, with more than 20 motorcycle Grand Prix staged at the venue.
As for Petronas, the title sponsorship also represents a step-up to its partnership with Dorna Sports. Prior to the new title sponsorship, the national oil company was already the official fuel supplier for the Moto2 and Moto3 series.
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Sepang International Circuit CEO, Azhan Shafriman Hanif said, “With record-breaking crowds year-on-year, we look forward to welcoming the fans back to Sepang after a two-year break due to the pandemic. In line with our #WelcomeHome theme, this year is about the revival of international motorsports with more unique offerings to the fans.”
Petronas Group Strategic Communications Senior General Manager, Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz added: “Through this strategic partnership with Dorna Sports, we hope to help re-energise Malaysia’s sports tourism for the benefit of Malaysians and visitors as the world collectively rebounds from the pandemic.”
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The MotoGP Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia will remain as the penultimate event in the calendar, before the season finale at Valencia. For 2022, the Grand Prix is scheduled for the 21 – 23 October, and tickets are already on sale now on SIC’s website, linked here.
As for the Formula 1 fans wishing for the return of the Malaysian GP, tough luck. In a virtual press conference yesterday, Azhan confirmed that they have yet to receive an offer from the series just yet, which means no discussions for the return of F1 to Malaysia for the time being.
He added that he is open to the idea, but it will still not be a simple task even if an offer is on the table, as it will have to be brought up to the government to assess its financial impact.
[Featured image: MotoGP]
