Fans hope Sepang F1 tickets won’t leave Malaysians behind
PETALING JAYA: With ticket prices for the Formula One race in Sepang still under wraps, fans are urging organisers to introduce affordable MyKad and Madani rates to ensure that Malaysians can experience the championship’s first race at the circuit in nine years.
Ticket prices have yet to be announced because Bahrain, which is hosting the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from Oct 2 to 4, will determine pricing as it is to pay the estimated US$70 million to US$80 million (RM285.87 million to RM326.71 million) hosting rights fee and receive all ticket-sale revenue.
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Fans interviewed by theSun said entry-level tickets priced between RM250 and RM500 would be reasonable, while acknowledging that premium seats would inevitably cost more.
Senior public relations associate Niraen Paranjothy, 24, said attending the race would be about more than just the action on the track.
“Seeing names like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in Malaysia would be surreal. It’s the whole F1 atmosphere that I’ve been wanting to experience on home soil.”
The Kuala Lumpur-based fan said activities such as fan zones, team activations, merchandise and opportunities to meet current and former drivers would make the event even more memorable.
Niraen said ticket prices ranging from RM300 to RM1,500 would be reasonable across different seating categories, but expressed hope that organisers would offer lower-priced MyKad or Madani tickets between RM250 and RM500 for general admission or selected grandstands.
“Demand is much higher now, sponsorships are bigger than ever and F1 is ultimately a premium global product. While everyone wants affordable tickets, I think fans also understand that prices today won’t be what they were a decade ago.”
On July 28, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif had said Bahrain would pay the hosting rights fee and receive all ticket-sale revenue, leaving the kingdom to decide ticket prices.
He added that SIC is negotiating for a special MyKad rate.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also said the government is considering lowerpriced Madani tickets although these would not include premium seating.
As of yesterday, official ticket prices and the sale date were yet to be announced, although SIC had previously indicated that sales could begin as early as the first week of August.
Television programme producer Rofariz, 39, shared the excitement over Formula One’s return to Sepang but expressed hope that the race weekend would feature more fan activities and promotional events beyond the on-track spectacle.
“Sepang is a favourite track among F1 fans around the world and I’m excited about the race. I want to experience the new era of F1. The regulations have changed and will provide a different experience from the last race in 2017.”
He, however, expressed concern that Bahrain’s control over ticket pricing, coupled with Formula One’s commercial considerations following the earlier disruption of two Middle Eastern races, could result in higher prices.
Rofariz said tickets priced from RM450 onwards would be reasonable for regular seating but proposed that a limited allocation of one-day tickets be made available to Malaysians for about RM300.
F1 representatives have completed an initial inspection of Sepang, with SIC confirming that the circuit does not require resurfacing. Improvements to runoff areas and supporting infrastructure are expected to be carried out.
Formula One and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) announced on July 26 that Sepang would host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia from Oct 2 to 4, marking the championship’s return to the circuit for the first time since 2017.
The race will be held between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix, subject to final agreements and approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
