SIC target 130,000 fans for this year’s F1 race

KUALA LUMPUR: The Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix is now 15 years but still going strong.

And the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), the organisers, are hoping the promotional activities in place this year will help them attract an even bigger crowd to the Sepang Circuit come March 22-24.

SIC chairman Datuk Mokhzani Tun Mahathir, speaking at the official launching of the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix by Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek last night, said they are hopeful of enticing 90,000 fans on race day itself.

“We recorded an attendance of 120,000 spectators for three days last year, but we hope to bring in more than 130,000 over three days this time. “I am hoping that more fans will come on race day. We are expecting to have at least 40% foreigners and 60% local spectators. “Over the years, the local spectators have continued to give good support to this event and we hope they continue to do so.

“To achieve this, SIC will be working closely with Petronas (the title sponsors) and all our key partners like Tourism Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Majlis Perbandaran Sepang, BBKLCC Tourism Association and the Ministry of Information, Commu-nications and Culture as well as the various government agencies and NGOs in making this year the best-ever F1 event,” said Mokhzani, adding that all 14 Petronas F1 cars from 1999 to 2012 will be presented to the public nationwide until the race weekend.

“We also encourage fans to purchase tickets early because seat selection will not be allowed during the ticket purchase process during the racing weekend (March 22-24) in the interest of serving the larger crowd of patrons present at the circuit grounds.”

A special One Ticket Unlimited (1TU) package will also be introduced this year to provide fans with a host of privileges to enjoy the event in March. Apart from being a passport for additional discounts at the 1Malaysian GP Sale 2013 in March, 1TU will also provide the ticket-holders a host of other privileges like shopping and dining.

With the ITU, all the grandstand ticket-holders will have access to the F1 after race concert featuring the legendary Guns N Roses on March 24 for free. Those with the hillstand tickets will have to add a minimum of RM120 to catch the legendary rock performance.

Malaysia will host the second round of this season’s 20-leg F1 World Championship. The new season will open with the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne from March 15-17.
-thestar online.
www.malaysiangp.com.my