The boss of the Sepang International Circuit has declared himself “very supportive” of the return of Formula 1 to Malaysia. While the Hermann Tilke-designed track continues to host MotoGP, it dropped off the F1 calendar three years ago after first staging a grand prix in 1999.
Dwindling crowds that were unable to help support the hosting fee, resulted in the event falling by the wayside.
But SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif believes F1 could make a comeback if the conditions are right.
“It [hosting F1] is not my top priority at the moment, but if the opportunity comes by and the offer is good, I’m very supportive of this idea because this event brings the branding of Malaysia,” Hanif told Malaysian media outlet Bernama.
“Let’s say if we agree to host the F1 race for a longer period, we will hold a discussion with the government since the hosting fee is not cheap and also the money that we spend must be worthy to the government and also the fans.”
Malaysia have hosted the F1 race since 1999 before the government decided to stop it in 2017 due to significant declines in returns.
Meanwhile, Azhan Shafriman, who boasts 13 years of experience with national oil giant Petronas, asserted that he will continue to strengthen various motorsports development programmes initiated by his predecessor, Datuk Razlan Razali, who has been given the full-time task as Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team principal.
He also revealed that SIC has identified talented young riders to be absorbed into the programme to mould more local riders who can challenge Italian and also the Spanish riders at international races in the future.
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