
Sepang circuit faces steep 20% fee hike to keep MotoGP beyond 2026
SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the track's three-plus-two-year contract with Dorna expires next year, and negotiations are already underway.
ALSO READ: 2025 Malaysia MotoGP: SIC targeting 200,000 spectators
'We are in the process of collecting information (regarding renewal) and hope to table it to the cabinet by the end of the year,' he told New Straits Times.
'Dorna are also chasing us for a decision as they want to finalise their calendar (for 2027) and possibly look for a replacement if we do not want to continue hosting it.
'Of course there will be an increase (in hosting rights fees), possibly about 20 per cent compared to previously.
'It is quite high, however, we are still negotiating to get the best value for Malaysia.'
He stressed the Malaysian GP's significant economic benefits, noting an economic impact study last year showed the event generates 6.3 times return on investment.
However, he assured that SIC will try to keep ticket prices affordable.
'We do not want to burden the rakyat (people) with expensive tickets. We previously saw what happened with Formula One (here).
'When Formula One tickets were sold at an expensive price, it was difficult for people to come and watch the race.
'We are aware of the current economic situation and are hoping to keep MotoGP tickets at a very affordable level.'
Currently, Rahmah Tickets for the 2025 Malaysian GP, scheduled for October 24-26, are priced at RM49.90.
The event drew a record-breaking 184,923 fans over three days last year, with SIC aiming to surpass 200,000 spectators this year.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Malaysian MotoGP contract extension hinges on data, says Hannah Yeoh
THE extension of the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) contract at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) hinges on detailed economic data, says Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. She emphasised that the event's success must be backed by clear financial returns to justify government investment. 'The SIC must provide data proving the event boosts tourism, the economy, and job opportunities for Malaysians,' Yeoh said. She highlighted that the MotoGP generates around 4,500 temporary jobs annually but stressed the need for skill development among locals. Yeoh spoke after officiating the Jalur Gemilang handover ceremony for the national contingent to the 2025 SEA Deaf Games. Negotiations between SIC and Dorna Sports, MotoGP's rights holder, are ongoing for a contract renewal beyond 2026. Meanwhile, Yeoh expressed optimism for Malaysia's badminton squad at the upcoming World Championships in Paris. She urged players under the Road To Gold (RTG) programme to manage fatigue and avoid injuries. The RTG squad includes top pairs like Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah. Malaysia will send 80 athletes to the SEA Deaf Games in Jakarta, competing in six sports. The contingent comprises 53 athletes and 27 officials, aiming for success in futsal, athletics, and more. Indonesia, as the host, leads with 100 participants. - Bernama

Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Extension of Malaysian MotoGP contract hinges on data, says minister
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 18 — The decision on whether the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will get the 'green light' from the government to extend its contract to host the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) race next year depends on the detailed data collection throughout its organisation. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the holding of the prestigious race had indeed received quite an encouraging response but the SIC still needed to convince the Ministry of Finance that the return received would provide comprehensive benefits. 'All this requires data to convince the Ministry of Finance that there is a return on investment. When we invest, we are not signing only in terms of tourism. It should help support the economy and job opportunities for Malaysians. 'Like the MotoGP temporary job that can be generated every year, approximately 4,500. But we also want to have skills passed down to the people, so that's why data collection is important and SIC must ensure that all this is recorded to convince the Ministry of Finance that it is not a waste,' she said. She said this after officiating the Jalur Gemilang Handover Ceremony for the national contingent to the 2025 South-east Asian (SEA) Deaf Games here today. Yesterday, the media reported that SIC is currently in the process of negotiating with Dorna Sports (the rights holder for organising the MotoGP) to renew the Malaysian GP contract which will expire in 2026. Meanwhile, Hannah has high hopes for the national badminton athletes to perform excellently at the World Championships in Paris which will be held from August 25 to 31. 'I am confident that our badminton players can perform well, especially those under the Road To Gold (RTG) Programme, but I also hope that the players are not too tired because we know that the badminton calendar is very tight, compact. 'In any case, they need to continue playing to be in the RTG and I always pray that there will be no injuries to our athletes because that will make it difficult for many parties,' she said. Among the badminton athletes in the RTG are Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, Pearly Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie. Earlier, a total of 80 athletes took on the country's challenge at the SEA Deaf Games in Jakarta, which is only 20 people less than the largest contingent, Indonesia which is fielding 100 athletes as host. In total, the Malaysian contingent includes 53 athletes and 27 officials who will compete in six sports events namely futsal, athletics, badminton, tenpin bowling, chess and table tennis. — Bernama

Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
Extension Of Malaysian MotoGP Contract Depends On Detailed Data
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- The decision on whether the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will get the 'green light' from the government to extend its contract to host the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) race next year depends on the detailed data collection throughout its organisation. Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the holding of the prestigious race had indeed received quite an encouraging response but the SIC still needed to convince the Ministry of Finance that the return received would provide comprehensive benefits. "All this requires data to convince the Ministry of Finance that there is a return on investment. When we invest, we are not signing only in terms of tourism. It should help support the economy and job opportunities for Malaysians. bootstrap slideshow "Like the MotoGP temporary job that can be generated every year, approximately 4,500. But we also want to have skills passed down to the people, so that's why data collection is important and SIC must ensure that all this is recorded to convince the Ministry of Finance that it is not a waste," she said. She said this after officiating the Jalur Gemilang Handover Ceremony for the national contingent to the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Deaf Games here today. Yesterday, the media reported that SIC is currently in the process of negotiating with Dorna Sports (the rights holder for organising the MotoGP) to renew the Malaysian GP contract which will expire in 2026. Meanwhile, Hannah has high hopes for the national badminton athletes to perform excellently at the World Championships in Paris which will be held from August 25 to 31. "I am confident that our badminton players can perform well, especially those under the Road To Gold (RTG) Programme, but I also hope that the players are not too tired because we know that the badminton calendar is very tight, compact. "In any case, they need to continue playing to be in the RTG and I always pray that there will be no injuries to our athletes because that will make it difficult for many parties," she said.