With exactly a month to go before the 12th edition of the Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix, event promoter Sepang International Circuit (SIC) today declared that all preparations are on track for the best ever F1 race in the history of the event.

 

“We have confirmation of Lionel Ritchie for the F1 Gala Cocktail; we also have confirmation of top names for the post race concert at the circuit; our partners PETRONAS, Lotus, Tourism Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur City Hall all have exciting plans running up to the race … things are all looking good for a grand GP this year,” said Razlan Razali, SIC Chief Executive Officer.

 

Razlan, who is the event director for the Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix, said that response from fans for SIC’s search for the opening ceremony dance crew had also been overwhelming and he predicted a grand show of 1Malaysia spirit for the world that day.

 

“It’s a new thing that we are doing this year … hundreds of energetic youths from all races dancing to the rhythm for the opening ceremony in show of unity and harmony and in true 1Malaysia Spirit to be showcase to the world on Race Day. It’s something that fans can really look forward to,” he said, adding that the names of the international artist would be announced later.

 

Targeting 100,000 spectators for the race and 160,000 for the three-day event, the 2010 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix would be held at Sepang Circuit from April 2 to 4. It would be Round 3 of a 19-leg championship which would open in Bahrain next weekend.

 

In support of the event, Kuala Lumpur City Hall is launching its KL Grand Prix City programme next week. Tourism Malaysia had launched its nationwide GP Sale, which would take effect next week while PETRONAS and the Lotus Racing Team had lined up its own promotional programmes to hype up this year’s race.

 

“I would like to thank our key partners Tourism Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur City Hall for their massive campaign in support of the F1 race as well as to PETRONAS and Lotus for their promotional activities.  In fact, the participation of PETRONAS and Lotus in the race itself had generated huge interest among the fans,” said Razlan.

 

For 2010, PETRONAS, which previously worked with BMW and Sauber, would be the title sponsor of Mercedes GP PETRONAS team, which had sensationally wooed back the legendary Michael Schumacher to compete in the championship this year; partnering German compatriot Nico Rosberg.

 

Supported by Proton, Naza Group and Tune Group, the Lotus Racing Team is the 1Malaysia Racing Team headed by Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes and featuring drivers Italian Jarno Trulli, Finland Heikki Kovailanen and Malaysian Fairuz Fauzy as the reserve driver.

 

“For the first time in the history of F1, there would be two teams carrying the interest of Malaysia and that itself had made this year Formula 1 race in Sepang very special. It had also boosted interest for ticket sales this year and we are hopeful of a record turnout this year,” said Razlan.

 

Sepang recorded its biggest turnout in 2008 with an attendance of more than 126,000 on Race Day on March 23, which saw Kovalainen taking third place behind winner Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari and Robert Kubica, then racing for BMW Sauber.

 

“Sale of tickets is progressing well and to push for domestic sales we have set up booths at KLCC and Pavillion in Kuala Lumpur and at Gurney Plaza in Penang. Alternatively, fans can go to our official website at www.sepangcircuit.com.my to buy their tickets,” Razlan added.

 

Tickets for the 2010 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix are priced as low as RM100; making the Malaysian GP as provider of the cheapest F1 tickets as compared to other venues.