SHAH ALAM , July 28 — The ticket prices for the upcoming Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One (F1) Grand Prix at the Sepang Circuit from October 2 to October 4 are unlikely to be less than RM100.
The New Straits Times reported that Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said they are currently working on the ticket prices with Bahrain and hope to announce them as soon as possible.
"Based on preliminary discussions, all ticket sale proceeds will be returned to Bahrain, so we do not have absolute authority over ticket pricing,” he said during a media conference in Sepang today.
Azhan added that it is unlikely tickets will be priced under RM100 similarly like the SIC were able to provide for the MotoGP (Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia) races.
"I know many Malaysians want affordable tickets for F1. I will do my absolute best to (get affordable pricing) when negotiating with Bahrain.
"Perhaps, we can try to get special pricing for MyKad holders,” he said, while adding that the tickets are expected to go on sale as early as the first week of August.
On the expenses of the F1 race, Azhan confirmed that the Bahrain government will cover the bulk of the expenses including the hosting fees to organise the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang.
This includes the rights fees for the event, to be paid to F1, which is believed to cost between US$70 to US$80million (RM280 million to RM327 million).
"The hosting (rights) fees, I can confirm that it is being paid by Bahrain. But there are certain costs which we have to share, this pertains to track preparations and local organising expenses. This will cost roughly RM40 million.
"Just like hosting MotoGP, there are certain standards and specifications we have to meet to host F1 races.
"But we have maintained this track to FIA Grade One standards over the years and thus the work required for the track and the facilities is minimal,” he said.
Azhan also disclosed that F1 officials have already inspected the track and given their approval and that an inspection by FIA is expected soon.
"F1 representatives have already been here and they inspected the circuit from all aspects. We have passed the first inspection.
"We do not need to resurface the track, we just have to make a small number of improvements, for example to the run-off areas, among others. We expect to close the circuit for roughly two weeks prior to the race,” he said.
On Sunday (July 26), it was announced that Malaysia is hosting the race on behalf of the Bahrain government. This will be the first F1 race the country has hosted since 2017.
Bahrain is unable to host the event due to the escalating conflict in West Asia.
