TLDR
- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has hinted that more affordable tickets for the Formula One (F1) race in Sepang this October may be available, although front-row seats are not part of the deal.
- Sepang International Circuit CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif said ticket prices are unlikely to fall below RM100, as ticket sale proceeds will be handed over to Bahrain.
- The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which was originally scheduled to take place in Bahrain, has been moved to Sepang due to the conflict in Iran, with ticket sales expected to begin as early as next month.
Previously, we reported that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hinted that affordable tickets for the upcoming Formula One (F1) race in October may be available.
However, he jokingly reminded the public to keep their expectations in check, adding that the more affordable tickets would not come with front-row seats and that fans would likely be sitting a little farther from the action.
Sepang CEO says tickets are unlikely to cost less than RM100
Meanwhile, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Azhan Shafriman Hanif said ticket prices for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, scheduled to take place at the Sepang International Circuit from 2 to 4 October, are likely to be steep.
Image Credit: F1
According to Shafriman, SIC does not have the authority to set ticket prices, as all ticket sale proceeds will be returned to Bahrain based on preliminary discussions.
"We are currently working on ticket prices with Bahrain and hope to announce them as soon as possible."
"It is unlikely that tickets will be priced below RM100, as we were able to do for MotoGP. I know Malaysians want affordable tickets for F1. I will do my absolute best to secure affordable pricing when negotiating with Bahrain. Perhaps we can try to get special pricing for MyKad holders," he said, as reported by NST.
Shafriman added that while ticket sales for the event have yet to be announced, he expects tickets to go on sale as early as the first week of next month.
For context, while Malaysia is hosting the race, it is the Bahrain government that is covering the bulk of the expenses. As such, it has the final say on matters pertaining to the event.
Image Credit: BBC
The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was originally scheduled to take place in Bahrain last April. However, due to the conflict in Iran, the event, alongside the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, was postponed.
On Sunday (26 July), Formula 1 and governing body FIA announced that Sepang will host the Bahrain Grand Prix as a replacement race.
Featured Image Credit: Digital Magazine, F1