SIC Fosters Motorsports Interest Among Youngsters - Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the ministry would continue to support the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) as an engine of growth of Malaysia and foster interest among youngsters in motorsports. Incidentally, the SIC's contract for the state-of-the-art circuit which was officially opened in March 9, 1999 by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, will end in 2015. "The decision to renew the contract lies with the Federal Government and the sports ministry will surely support it because F1 is a high performance sport. "Formula 1 has helped the country to draw the interest of youngsters in motorsports and hopefully, SIC's contract will be renewed; I believe Petronas and its colleagues will ensure it is maintained," he told reporters after launching the Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix 2012 at the Pavillion here Tuesday. Earlier, Ahmad Shabery in his speech said, based on an independent study, preliminary results indicated that the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix generated total economic activity of approximately RM200 million (US$65.69 million). He said the study showed the average spending by a foreign visitor was approximately RM7,000 (about US$2,299) while that of a domestic visitor, about RM2,500 (about US$821). "This is part of the spillover effect of F1 in generating tourism dollars, with many racing fans who come over to Malaysia for the sole purpose of watching the race, most likely extending their stay to visit other fascinating attractions our country has to offer. "Malaysia is now seen and heard in, as many as 187 countries with a combined audience of more than 500 million, which is the most effective platform for international mileage and worldwide recognition," he said. SIC Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali said, the 2012 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix from March 23 to 25, was targeted to woo about 90,000 fans, with the unprecedented presence of six world champions on the grid. In this regard, 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen is expected to join former world champions Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher to try and deny current second-time world champion Sebestian Vettle a third consecutive title. "The 2012 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix will also be a special occasion for Malaysia as SIC welcomes back the participation of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team, Lotus F1 Team and Caterham F1 Team on the grid," he said. Ahmad Razlan also announced the return of the Malaysian Super Series (MSS) as the support for the second year running was testament of the growing importance of Malaysia's own national track championship. "We will see series such as Lamborghini Super Trofea Asia, Classic Car Club Hong Kong and the return of Formula Pilota and JK Racing Asia Series," he said. Also present were Dr Mahathir, SIC Chairman Mokhzani Mahathir, Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mukhriz Mahathir. -- BERNAMA