New Approach To Promote F1 Event

The 2009 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, which celebrates its 11th edition next month, has marked the beginning of a new era as Sepang International Circuit (SIC) promotes the F1 event differently.

SIC spokesman Azhar Ghazali said with the new approach, SIC wants to showcase itself as an entertainment venue as well, and not just a racing circuit.

Met at the F1 Roadshow in Gurney Plaza here today, he said with an aim of bringing the fans closer to the F1 fraternity and SIC, among new programmes incorporated to inject further excitement for the fans and spectators included a meet-and-greet session with the F1 drivers where fans can meet and get their autographs in one special session at the spectator areas.

Azhar, a former press officer now managing the SIC publishing division, said some lucky fans would also have the opportunity to take part in a special go-kart competition with the F1 teams and the exclusive F1 pit garage visits during the race weekend.

"There is also the bus track experience where fans will get an opportunity to feel for themselves to be on track, and the elements incorporated in the F1 race would be the foundation of other racing events organised by the circuit," he added. Sepang will host Round 2 of a 17-leg Formula One World Championship from April 3 to 5 and the new season opens in Albert Park in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix in the preceding weekend.

Formula One's youngest champion Lewis Hamilton of McLaren Mercedes will be defending his world crown and is expected to face stiff competition from Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa from Ferrari and two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Renault.

Azhar said SIC target for spectators for the F1 race remains at 120,000 people for Race Day.

"The current sales figures are a little short than the previous years in view of the current economic situation but we are confident that there will be a late rush for the race tickets as the event gets closer," he said, adding that for the first time, SIC was offering a sports car - a RM232,000 Mazda RX8 - as a prize for fans to win by buying the F1 race tickets.

Azhar said the circuit would be open free for spectators to watch the warm-up session on April 3.

Penang is the third leg of the roadshow series after the Pavillion Kuala Lumpur and City Square in Johor Baru, and next venue would be One Utama in Petaling Jaya next weekend.

Tickets for the race are priced as low as RM100 and they can be purchased via internet at www.sepangcircuit.com or by calling TICKET HOTLINE at 03-87782222. They can also be purchased directly at the circuit, at SIC ticketing office at KL Sentral Kuala Lumpur and at the F1 roadshow.