At the launch of the Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (from left): Kirsten Chong Ee Sung (marketing manager of Shell Lubricants Malaysia & Singapore), Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk M. Saravanan, Zulfahmi Khairuddin, Datuk Razlan Razali, SIC chairman Datuk Mokhzani Tun Mahathir and Marlin Tan Sri Ahmad Nordin (executive vice president, bankcard business at Maybank).
KUALA LUMPUR: This year’s Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix from Oct 11-13 looks set to be a sell-out affair with the unprecedented representation of five local riders.
Last year’s event, which saw a first-ever podium finish for Malaysia by Zulfahmi Khairuddin, attracted a record-breaking 77,000 spectators on race day but Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali is confident of hitting a higher figure next month.
SIC is confident of attracting a record attendance of over 130,000 over three days and 80,000 fans on race day. “We have made extensive promotions in South-East Asia, in particular Thailand and Indonesia. “But most importantly, it is the strong local presence. We have five local riders in the Malaysian GP this year.
“Local hero Zulfahmi is still Malaysia’s best hope of getting a podium finish in the Moto3 category and we hope he can make the best of the homeground advantage. “But we also have in the mix young sensation Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah, who finished a sensational fourth in last year’s Moto2 race as a wild-card rider.
“He has been confirmed for a third-time entry in the Moto2 class and Malaysia’s latest racing outfit - Touchline SIC AJO Racing Team - will feature Amirul Hafiq and Husni Aizat as wild-card entries for Moto3. “We also have current SuperSports 600cc category Asian Road Racing Championship leader Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman, who has ben included by Honda Team Asia for Moto2 and will race in next week’s San Marino Grand Prix leading up to the Malaysian Grand Prix,” he said Saturday at the launch of the Malaysian GP at Publika Solaris Dutamas.
MotoGP fans can expect more variety of activities, including the Ducati Club convoy on race day and a bike fair with the participation of more than 60 trade and vending operators, including all of the world’s major bike manufacturers.
Razlan reminded fans not to miss out on the special privileges, discounts and limited edition Malaysian GP merchandise available with their ticket. “Fans can also purchase one-day hillstand tickets for only RM21 - this is the most affordably-priced ticket at any venue. “Ticketholders will get an opportunity to meet all the MotoGP riders in person during the autograph session, which we have scheduled for Saturday (Oct 12) at the Welcome Centre.”
After 12 races so far, young Spanish sensation Marc Marquez is leading the championship on 223 points followed by his Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa.
-thestar online.
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