KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 — The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will remain in the Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) World Championships calendar at least until 2024, with national oil company Petronas set to power the track as title sponsor.
MotoGP rights holders Dorna Sports, while announcing that the race will be officially named as the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia from this year, said all parties involved are already in discussion to extend the agreement until 2026.
Being on the calendar since 1999, SIC is a fan and rider favourite circuit with two long straights, a combination of contrasting corners and a stunning main grandstand complex, the silhouette of which has become iconic over the 20 GPs staged at the venue.
After the 2020 and 2021 races in SIC were called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s race is scheduled from October 21 to 23.
Dorna Sports chief executive officer (CEO) Carmelo Ezpeleta said Malaysia is a vital market for MotoGP and it is a pleasure to race at Sepang and witness the incredible passion of the fans who fill the grandstands.
“After proving able to return to Malaysia for pre-season testing this year, we couldn’t be more eager to come back and race. We all look forward to the Grand Prix of Malaysia and seeing our Malaysian fans for many more seasons.
“We’re also very proud to enter into this partnership with Petronas, a brand that is synonymous with excellence and success, and a fantastic ambassador for Malaysia on the world stage.
“There can be no better headline act as a title sponsor for the Grand Prix of Malaysia than one of the most emblematic names in motorsports. We look forward to seeing this iconic brand take top billing at the event,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif extends his gratitude to those who have made the contract extension possible.
“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,” he added.
Petronas group strategic communications senior general manager Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz added that the oil company is extremely honoured to be the title sponsor for the Malaysian GP, largely considered a key sporting event in Malaysia and Asia.
“The title sponsorship offers a unique opportunity for Petronas to connect with the sport’s massive fanbase and showcase our brand and products,” she said.
— Bernama
