Sepang International Circuit (SIC), – promoter and organiser of the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix 2018 and two times Best Grand Prix winner (2012 & 2017) is all set and ready for the 28th edition of the event and is now putting the final touches this weekend in ensuring the best ever Malaysian GP.
All temporary fully air-conditioned marques are up since early this month including the temporary pit boxes in the paddock for the Moto2™ and Moto3™ teams as well as for the IDEMITSU Asia Talent Cup, which is hosting its final round this weekend in Sepang.
In manpower management, event’s chief organiser Dato’ Razlan Razali today met and addressed the 500-plus strong volunteers that included track marshals, medical personnel, ushers, hospitality suite attendants and Media Centre staff, whom had their orientation and final training session at various locations around the circuit.
“We are all set for Malaysia’s biggest motorsports event. Everybody at the circuit has been working very hard for the event to ensure we are at our best to showcase this event and Malaysia to the world,” said Dato’ Razlan, who celebrates his 10th year as the Chief Executive Officer of SIC this year.
A die-hard motorcycling fan who was also active in racing, Dato’ Razlan immediately transformed the Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix since taking over the helm of SIC a decade ago by bringing in Malaysians into the competition; beginning with the landmark SIC Wildcard Programme in 2009. The event had since wooed inattracted more spectators including fullcapacity since the last few editions.
While the official race program of the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix 2018 starts on Friday with the free practice sessions, Dato’ Razlan said activities associated to the event would commence as early as tomorrow.
“The officials and members of the racing teams as well as the TV production crew are coming in as early as Sunday night immediately after the Australian Grand Prix in Phillip Island tomorrow. The containers will be coming in as well.
“Our public program with the fans starts on Tuesday with a Football friendly match at the National Stadium Bukit Jalil and Wednesday with the special ‘Teh Tarik session’ with MotoGP riders at NZ Curry House Garden Cafe, KLCC. The racing teams will also be having their own PR and marketing pre-event programmes as well including meet-the-fans sessions. So, it will be a very exciting week in Kuala Lumpur,” he added.
In facilitating a smooth running of all activities related to the event, Dato’ Razlan said SIC is supported by the Youth and Sports Ministry, which is coordinating works of all the relevant agencies and authorities including the Immigration Department to ensure hassle-free process at KLIA and the Malaysian Royal Police to ensure smooth flow of traffic throughout the weekend.
First organised in Malaysia in 1991 in Shah Alam, the Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix moved to Malaysia’s new Home of Motorsports in Sepang in 1999. The Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix 2018 is expected to be attended by some 170 000 fans over the three-day event with 30 percent of the spectatorship being foreign tourists, making the Malaysian GP a key tourism product for the nation.
Apart from fielding the world’s best riders in action and Asia’s future talents on track, the other major attraction for the event is the off-track activities, which Dato’ Razlan said will be equally exhilarating and awesome.
The off-track activities will be anchored by the Mega MotoGP™ Carnival, which will feature 95 exhibitors and retailers; engaging in sale of exclusive MotoGP and motorsports merchandise, bikes and accessories, food and fun activities from fun and games, pocket bike racing and entertainment. While the ever popular Riders engagement activities will continue with the Autograph session and Fan Forum.
“Like the marques and tents at the Paddock, facilities for the Mega MotoGP™ Carnival at the Mall Area and Welcome Centre have all been installed and ready to welcome our partners to start their work in making their own internal decorations and installation. In fact, some are already working on their installation to ensure they stand out prominently.
“Indeed, we are looking at a very special Malaysian GP this weekend,” added Dato’ Razlan.