While the final preparations for Malaysian Grand Prix MotoGP version was coming to an end, the managers of the site and the Malaysian government were questioning the relevance of continuing the adventure with the Formula 1. Not so long ago, the question did not arise. Today, MotoGP asserts itself as the competitor of choice as a symbol of motor sports. Malaysia has just confirmed this by driving the point home with the renewal of its lease with Dorna.
Formula 1 is on borrowed time, but MotoGP is welcomed with open arms. This is the case in Malaysia where Dorna Sports and the Sepang International Circuit have extended their partnership to appear on the motorcycle Grand Prix calendar until 2021. It will be recalled that this year the event is already sold out.
The love of motorcycling extends beyond this national meeting as the Sepang track also hosts winter testing and a round of the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup. With this loyalty, Malaysia is establishing itself as the vector of motorcycle development in Asia.
Tan Sri Azman Yahya, President of the Sepang International Circuit declared on MotoGP.com: “ I am happy to inform you that we signed the renewal of our contract this morning. We will continue to work with MotoGP for the next five years and I think the public will give us the best answer. I am all the more delighted as this is my first mandate as President of the Circuit »
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO – Dorna Sports responded: “ we have been coming here since 1999 and together we have come a long way. We are extremely proud that the Malaysian Grand Prix is seeing ever-increasing spectator numbers. We are very happy to continue with them for five more seasons. The Sepang track not only hosts MotoGP but also the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup selection process every year. On Thursday, 120 talents from all over Asia took part in the selections and 22 were selected. Three riders, having taken part in this cup, will also compete in the Moto3 World Championship next season and that is very important. The support of the Sepang International Circuit is very important for motorcycling. The organization is very good here and we try to do everything together »
Dató Razlan Razali, CEO – Sepang International Circuit concluded: “ It wasn't very difficult to convince the Malaysian government to support the organization of such an event, because we break new records every year. MotoGP is not only a spectacle for the public, it is also a model for all those young people who want to race at a high level. Furthermore, it is not just a signature, it is a real partnership. We support each other and together we want to promote the event a little better each year. We can not wait to be there. We would like to thank everyone who made this possible »
