Sepang extends MotoGP contract until 2021 season
Malaysia's Sepang International circuit will stay on the MotoGP calendar until at least until 2021 after signing a contract extension with promoter Dorna.
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
The circuit has held a round of the championship since the 1999 season, and will continue to host the series for a further five years.
The new contract, finalised early on Saturday morning just as the current deal ended, is for another five years.
“I am happy to inform that we have signed a contract extension for another five years, ending 2021, that was completed this morning," said Tan Sri Azman Yahya, Chairman of SIC.
"We will continue with MotoGP for the next five years, and think we will see even better response from the public.
"I’m very pleased to announce this as it’s my first negotiation as the Chairman of Sepang, and I hope our decision is supported and welcomed.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO Dorna Sports commented: “We have been here since 1999 and it has been a long road together.
"We’re extremely proud of the Malaysian GP, the increasing spectator numbers and the incredible spectacle. We are proud to renew for at least these five years.
"Sepang is not just hosting the MotoGP race, but also the Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup selection process that takes place here every year.
"The way that Sepang International Circuit is understanding and supporting the motorcycling world is very important.
"Here the organization is very good and we try and do everything together, and we are proud that Sepang International Circuit considers us such an asset," he added.
Dato Razlan Razali, CEO Sepang International Circuit said: “It’s not very difficult to convince the Malaysian government to support the Malaysian Grand Prix because we achieve record breaking crowds every year.
"MotoGP is no longer just a spectacle for Malaysians, it is now a platform for young Malaysian talent to compete in the world championship and on home ground. I think that is key to the Malaysian GP.
"At the same time, it is not just an agreement between Dorna and SIC – it’s the partnership we have and the support we have for each other.
"The common interest we have to promote this event better and better every year. We look forward to another five years and I would like to thank everyone who made that possible.”
This is the 26th year for the championship in Malaysia, as Shah Alam hosted the races between 1991-1997 before it moved to Johor in 1998 and finally to Sepang the following year.
While Sepang's MotoGP race is safe, the future of its F1 race has been thrown into doubt beyond the end of its current term, which runs to 2018.
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