SIC awaits Cabinet decision on five-year MotoGP contract extension, with plans to host the Asia Talent Cup base in Sepang.
KUALA LUMPUR: A decision on extending Malaysia’s contract to host the MotoGP at the Sepang International Circuit is expected imminently.
SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the paperwork for renewal has been submitted to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and is awaiting Cabinet tabling.
“We should get news on the contract extension within this month,” he said after the Motorsports Association of Malaysia Awards Night.
He confirmed the proposal is for a new five-year term to align with other planned projects.
One key initiative is establishing a base for the MotoGP-promoted Asia Talent Cup at the circuit.
This project aims to create local job opportunities for engineers, mechanics and data engineers.
Azhan Shafriman acknowledged the hosting fee has increased by 10 to 15%.
He remains confident the rise is commensurate with SIC’s offer for the prestigious race.
The current contract, renewed in 2024, is set to expire after this year’s event.
MotoGP chief sporting officer Carlos Ezpeleta expressed optimism about the renewal.
“We’re looking forward to another five years of agreement with SIC; it’s a really important market,” he said.
He noted significant progress in negotiations, stating the deal is “pretty much done” pending formalisation with ministries.
The Malaysian MotoGP has been held at SIC since 1999.
It was only cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
