In a thrilling Singapore Grand Prix last weekend, Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg held off Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, taking the win and opening up an 8-point lead over his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who finished third at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Finishing in second place, Ricciardo strengthened his grip on third place in the overall championship, with a 26-point lead over his closest rival, Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. Nevertheless, it was Vettel who topped the popular vote to secure the Driver of the Day title.
The excitement will continue in Sepang, in the 16th race of a 21-race season, themed Experience Redef1ned. Adrenaline junkies and speed enthusiasts will be able to enjoy not just the F1, but also both the GP2 and the GP3 series for the first time in Malaysia.
“The introduction of the GP2 and GP3 races adds an important element of local interest as we have two talented Malaysian drivers, Nabil Jeffri and Akash Neil Nandy competing this season. Besides encouraging more local fans to come to Sepang to support our boys, hosting these support races also contributes to the development of four-wheel motorsports in Malaysia. With greater local awareness of the support races, we hope to generate interest and sponsorship from the private sector so that more aspiring drivers can have the opportunity to hone their talents. In the long run, we hope that one day, Malaysia can produce a champion in the F1 Grand Prix” said Dato’ Razlan Razali, Chief Executive Officer of SIC.
The action at the 18th F1 Malaysia Grand Prix kicks off on the track on 29 September with practice sessions for all the support races, which also includes the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and TCR International Series. The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, considered Asia’s premier sports car racing series, is a testing ground for fledgling talent and a showcase for top GT competitors with professionals competing wheel-to-wheel with privateers for glory. Meanwhile, the TCR International Series is an international Touring Car championship targeted at C-category tin-top racing cars.
Activities abound
In line with the Experience Redef1ned theme, fans can expect the F1 Malaysia Grand Prix’s family carnival concept to offer new and expanded activities to suit every member of the family.
“We want to encourage families to make the Formula One a weekend outing and also nurture more young Formula One fans,” Dato’ Razlan added.
To nurture passion for motorsports, the XTrack experience features a line-up of to do’s which include motorsport-related activities such as drifting, karting, a kids’ driving school, ATV rides and the return of the highly competitive Strider Cup. The whole family can enjoy the mini golf course, picnic facility, or check out the F1 Fan Zone Stage for exciting performance and activities throughout the day.
Fans will have opportunities to get close to their favourite teams and drivers, with the Drivers’ Autograph Session, Drivers’ Fan Forum and Malaysian School Pit Lane Walk. Don’t forget to check out the goods on offer at the Mall Area – there’ll be souvenirs and memorabilia, limited edition merchandise, accessories and much more.
Don’t miss the Malaysia Professional Boxing Championship at the circuit on 1 October from 7pm to 11pm, offering an adrenaline rush of a different variety for sports fans. On race day, catch the F1 drivers riding in a parade of classic cars, watch celebrity Elizabeth Tan singing the national anthem and marvel at the air show by RMAF jets. Bring your F1 experience to a close on a high note with the After-race Concert headlined by Usher and featuring local artistes like Fazura and Natasha Sass.
Just before race week, fan excitement in the city revs up with the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Meet and Greet at Suria KLCC on 24 September.
Grab your tickets now!
2016 Formula One PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix ticket prices begin from as low as RM169.60 – with tickets ranging from RM360.40 to RM1,876.20 for seats in the Main Grandstand, RM466.40 for the Tower, RM296.80 and RM699.60 for Grandstands F and K1 respectively, and RM169.60 for the C2 Hillstand. Star Stand tickets are available at RM183.38. There are various ticket packages with exclusive merchandise available for purchase.
More luxurious options are also available, including the Formula One Paddock Club, Corporate Suites and hospitality lounges. The Ferrari and Red Bull Team Tribune passes are still available for purchase, whereas the Mercedes AMG Petronas Tribune has sold out. Maybank cardholders are eligible to purchase discounted tickets until 29 September.
Child tickets for children aged 7 to 12 are available with up to 50% price reduction, while disabled* spectators can also purchase tickets at 50% off for accessible seating zones. The public can also pre-purchase F&B package options for RM26.50 for extra convenience during the race weekend.
Tickets for the F1 Malaysia Grand Prix can be purchased:
• online at SIC’s website www.sepangcircuit.com
• in person at the circuit
• from a ticketing agent – just check the location from SIC’s website – https://www.sepangcircuit.com/searchticket
• by calling the SIC TICKET HOTLINE at 03-8778 2222
Find out more about the hospitality packages, ticket pricing and activities lined up at SIC’s website www.sepangcircuit.com and keep track of announcements on SIC’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sepanginternationalcircuit and Instagram account at https://www.instagram.com/sepangcircuit/
* To purchase disabled tickets, fans will need to show their disabled person card to get the discount.