Celebrating the 20th edition of the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will be banking on this year’s return of Malaysian rider to the MotoGP grid – Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin – to take the sports to a new level and a record attendance for the race in October.

Declaring that Zulfahmi’s MotoGP adventure had given the sports stronger prominence this year in terms publicity and inspiring aspiring riders, SIC Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali has also expressed confidence that the Zulfahmi factor would be a boost to the circuit’s mission to create a new record in spectator’s attendance.

“Last year, we had the biggest attendance at a Malaysian GP race of more than 59,000 spectators. It was largely attributed to the hugely successful GP Wildcard Programme, which had Zulfahmi and Elly (Idzlianizar Ilias) competing in the 125cc race and Petronas first time sponsorship of the Fiat Yamaha Team.

“This is we have Zulfahmi, who would be returning to Sepang with a realistic target of finishing at least in the top 15 and adding to his haul of world championship points. I am confident that the interest would be much, much stronger,” he said at the media launch of the 2010 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Hard Rock Café in Kuala Lumpur today.

While he was confident of a good response, Razlan stressed that SIC would not leave that to chance; saying that SIC would be undertaking a massive promotional programme nationwide to push for ticket sales.

“It will be fitting to the 20th edition celebrations … it’s a massive landmark for the nation,” he said, adding that line-up to promotional programmes and full details of the supporting events to hype up the 2010 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix would be announced at later date.

 

 

Malaysia would host Round 15 of the world championship from October 8 to 10, which would be the 12th race to be staged at Sepang Circuit. First held in 1991, the race was held at Batu Tiga Circuit in Shah Alam until 1997 before it was shifted to Johor Circuit in Pasir Gudang in 1998.

In marking the 20th edition, Razlan said that SIC would be producing a special 20 Years of Malaysian GP commemorative book, which would trace back significant moments for each of the event since 1991.

“It’s a special book produced by a team of experts and professionals … I am very confident that it would be a great book and really looking forward to share it with all of you sometime in September,” added Razlan, who declined further details on the commemorative book.

Prior to Zulfahmi, Malaysia had Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini competing for three seasons in the world 250cc class with the now-defunct PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Team TVK. Prior to his GP adventure, Shahrol Yuzy competed in three full seasons in Europe at the Spanish Championship and the European Championship.

Now based in Bologna, Italy in between races, Zulfahmi was drafted straight into the GP with newly-established AirAsia Sepang International Circuit Racing Team with Europe-based World Wide Racing Team taking full charge in his training and preparation of the bike.

“Regardless of how Zulfahmi would finish this season, the young lad had shown the world that Malaysia has the talents to compete with world best. Zulfahmi has also opened the eyes of his fellow Malaysians that we deserved to be there as well.

“Clearly, he has been an inspirational figure to many Malaysians to professional racing … we saw massive increase in the cub prix and the bike competitions at the Malaysian Super Series. And, this is indeed heartening for us.

“For us at SIC, we do not only promote motor racing; but also racing safely within controlled environment. We need to get the young people off the streets in illegal racing … to race properly at racing tracks and enjoy motor racing to the fullest.

“Zulfahmi’s success in MotoGP would help us a very long way in education the young and promoting professional motorsports among Malaysians. Through Zulfahmi, hopefully we can inspire more Malaysians and expand our pool of quality riders and perhaps, becoming world champions one day,” said Razlan.

Tickets for the 2010 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix are priced as low at RM30 and they can be purchased via internet at www.sepangcircuit.com or calling SIC TICKET HOTLINE at 603-87782222.