Ticket sales are the only source of revenue left for the organizers of an F1 race. Therefore, they have an interest in maximizing the number of spectators in order to minimize their losses and thus reduce the amount of public subsidies.<\/p>\n
The question is all the more pressing for a circuit like Sepang as it suffers from accelerated aging due to the tropical climate it faces. Investments are necessary, as stated a year and a half ago by the circuit’s president, Mokhzani Mahathir: \u201cWe have been talking about this plan for some time now, but we need to ensure that the private sector is interested. Circuits around the world are changing their business models to become more like amusement parks than just a place for car races. The idea is to promote it as an entertainment destination. There is still work to be done.\u201d<\/p>\n
Malaysia benefits from a geographical location that places it in close proximity to rapidly developing countries with large populations, a good combination with an attraction like F1. Therefore, it has its eyes on one of the main powers in Southeast Asia, namely India. India has an informed audience thanks to the introduction of a race in New Delhi two years ago. The director of tourism for Malaysia, Manoharan Periasamy, has thus unveiled the charm offensive plan: “We have invited around 60 companies for a seminar in Mumbai during the first week of March where we will showcase the SIC [Sepang International Circuit, ed.] infrastructure and how it can be an exciting experience for their clients. Last year, a company brought around 600 clients and they were delighted. We hope for an increase in business bookings.”<\/p>\n
One of the comments made last year was that the series lacked young national drivers capable of engaging local passions. The authorities are therefore also working on this point. Last year, Jazeman Jaafar reached a milestone by becoming the runner-up in the British Formula 3, which opens the doors for him to the Formula Renault 3.5, still within the Carlin team. To promote his national Grand Prix, he has been invited by Mercedes to drive one of its demonstration F1 cars in front of his home crowd on March 17th. The reason is that the Anglo-German team shares the same title sponsor, the Malaysian oil company Petronas, as the Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
The driver comments on his nomination: \u00ab I am only 20 years old and have been racing in single-seaters for six years, working through the categories, learning, improving, and experimenting with more technical and powerful cars. I am capable of driving an F1 with the parameters of a demonstration car and I am really looking forward to doing it. But I need a few more years before I can consider a full-time spot in F1. I am certain that this taste of driving an F1 will strengthen my determination to reach F1 and it will be an incredible experience. \u00bb<\/p>\n