JAKARTA, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will continue to lobby for an extension of its contract to host the Formula One Grand Prix after it ends in 2015.
SIC chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali said the F1 was relevant to the country due to its positive impact and there was no reason for the SIC to not organise the event, especially so when the government has been strongly backing the event since it was first staged in Sepang.
"The F1 is the third biggest event after the Olympics and World Cup. Since organising the F1 involves a huge cost, it needs the support of the government.
"We need an event like the F1 to promote Malaysia. It not only promotes the country but gives a big impact to the economy of the country," he told reporters during a Malaysian F1 Grand Prix promotion, here today.
Also present was Tourism Malaysia director in Indonesia, Nor Aznan Sulaiman.
Malaysia will host the second round of the 2014 F1 race from March 28 to 30 at the SIC while the season opening race will be hosted by Australia from March 14 to 16.
Razlan said though the SIC was not under pressure from anyone, including F1 Supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, the SIC would need to continue lobbying to ensure the race remains a part of Malaysia.
He said every year, the F1 race in Malaysia attracted more than 100,000 fans and of the total, 30 to 35 percent were foreigners, and as a result it brings in revenue.
Last year, the F1 race attracted an attendance of 123,400 fans over the three days and F1 fans from Indonesia accounted for the fifth highest.
SIC chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali said the F1 was relevant to the country due to its positive impact and there was no reason for the SIC to not organise the event, especially so when the government has been strongly backing the event since it was first staged in Sepang.
"The F1 is the third biggest event after the Olympics and World Cup. Since organising the F1 involves a huge cost, it needs the support of the government.
"We need an event like the F1 to promote Malaysia. It not only promotes the country but gives a big impact to the economy of the country," he told reporters during a Malaysian F1 Grand Prix promotion, here today.
Also present was Tourism Malaysia director in Indonesia, Nor Aznan Sulaiman.
Malaysia will host the second round of the 2014 F1 race from March 28 to 30 at the SIC while the season opening race will be hosted by Australia from March 14 to 16.
Razlan said though the SIC was not under pressure from anyone, including F1 Supremo, Bernie Ecclestone, the SIC would need to continue lobbying to ensure the race remains a part of Malaysia.
He said every year, the F1 race in Malaysia attracted more than 100,000 fans and of the total, 30 to 35 percent were foreigners, and as a result it brings in revenue.
Last year, the F1 race attracted an attendance of 123,400 fans over the three days and F1 fans from Indonesia accounted for the fifth highest.
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