WELCOME
The nation ’ s biggest and most prestigious annual sporting spectacle , PETRONAS GRAND PRIX OF MALAYSIA ( MotoGP™ Malaysia ) has become the region ’ s most anticipated event that attracts racing enthusiasts from all corners of the world . Each year , for the past 24 editions , thousands of fans have descended on Sepang International Circuit ( SIC ) to be part of another thrilling weekend .
Despite the heat and humidity , die-hard racing fans from near and far continue to pack the grandstands to support their favourite riders and at the same time contribute enormously to the success of MotoGP™ Malaysia . To all the fans I would like to bid you a warm welcome and Selamat Datang ke Malaysia !
This event epitomises our nation ’ s success in hosting world-class sporting events that help put Malaysia on the global map - reaching a televised audience of more than 400million viewers .
This year ’ s event is expected to be exciting with the presence of five Malaysian boys . From once relying on wildcards to compete , this year , Malaysia has a full-fledged rider , Syarifuddin Azman competing in the Moto3™ class . In addition , another four Malaysian young heroes will also be racing in the Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup the same weekend .
The new MotoGP™ sprint format will be held for the first time in Sepang , a bonus for the fans who can witness two MotoGP™ races in one weekend – sprint race on Saturday and main race on Sunday .
Track action aside , fans are in for massive treat at Mega MotoGP™ Carnival featuring over 100 renowned brands . The absolute must , Hero Walk an ever popular race weekend activity for fans to take selfies with their favourite stars , the Public Pit Lane Walk and Riders ’ Autograph Session are back . At the same time , we rolled out an exciting Mega Lucky Draw contest on social media for fans to win three units of Yamaha R25 special livery bikes .
SIC , together with PETRONAS has organised various family-oriented activities with the aim to encourage fans to bring their families to the circuit for an enjoyable family-outing . These activities will keep the fans occupied from the time they arrive to the moment they head for home . It will be a celebration they will remember for many years to come .
As we look forward to hosting many more years of MotoGP™ in Malaysia , I would like to offer my utmost appreciation to the Government of Malaysia , primarily the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Youth and Sports , the many relevant agencies , media and other partners for their immense contributions toward this event .
I wish to thank DORNA , IRTA and FIM for their guidance and for working closely with us on this event . I would also like to extend my gratitude to PETRONAS for supporting our event as the title sponsor .
Lastly , I want to also thank the management and staff of SIC for their untiring efforts in ensuring that all necessary preparations and requirements to host the race are fulfilled . Not forgetting to the thousands of race officials , volunteers and other personnel involved , thank you for your assistance .
To all the riders and teams , I wish you the best of luck as you battle for the coveted Moto3™ , Moto2™ and MotoGP™ titles - we may see these being decided at Sepang .
And to the many fans who are here this weekend , once again , welcome to Sepang and we hope you will have an enjoyable and memorable time at the newly-renamed circuit , PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit .
TAN SRI AZMAN YAHYA Chairman PETRONAS Sepang International Circuit
PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia | 5