Sepang Aims To Make 2009 A New Beginning For Malaysian GP

Sepang International Circuit (SIC), which signed a new two-year contract with Dorna to organize the MotoGP starting next year, aims to make 2009 a new beginning for the sports in Malaysia; filling it with more off-track excitement and a Malaysian rider on the starting grid, its new Chief Executive Officer Razlan Razali said today.

"This is the target that we have set for next year Â… to have Malaysian riders as wildcard entries either in 125cc and 250cc and creating greater excitement for the local fans by having more activities," he told a press conference after the signing ceremony at Sepang Circuit.

Dorna was represented by its Chief Executive Officer Carmelo Ezpeleta, who described the signing of the new agreement as a major milestone for the sports which came to Malaysia in 1991 and had continuously being held without fail every year.

"Sepang has always been an important circuit for us and for the teams. The teams do not just come here to the race; but also for their tests. They all like Sepang very much," Ezpeleta said, adding that the organization of the event had always been done well.

Razlan, who took office as the new CEO last week, noted that it would be a heavy responsibility; but was quick to add that he was excited with the prospects of taking the sports to a new level in Malaysia.

"I strongly believed that we have the talents and infrastructure to produce professional riders. What is urgently needed is a stronger support from the corporate sector and the media. But, I am confident that we could do it," he said.

Malaysia first hosted the Grand Prix in 1991 at the Batu Tiga Circuit in Shah Alam before shifting it to Johor Circuit in Pasir Gudang in 1998. Sepang took over the duties in 1999 immediately after completion of the new circuit.