Sepang Grand Prix will have more spectators this year: SIC

JAKARTA (JP): The Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix 2001 organizer, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is sure more spectators will come to the next race in March.

SIC's public relations manager, Shuhainie Shamsudin, said, "We estimate some 88,000 spectators were at last year's Grand Prix final session at Sepang. The event also generated RM 65 million (US$17.12 million) in revenue from ticket sales and corporate sales."

"About 50 percent of the spectators were from Southeast Asian countries. And we believe most of them were Formula One fans from Indonesia and Singapore, although we don't have exact numbers," she added.

Shuhainie was speaking at a media conference here on Saturday to promote the race.

The third Malaysian Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from March 16 to March 18 on the 5.5-kilometer circuit.

Shuhainie said management was committed to improving safety and convenience for both drivers and spectators.

"For drivers, SIC is modifying the curbs at turns five and six to enhance their safety," she said.

"We also pushed back guardrails on turns seven and 15 by between two and five meters to provide larger run-off areas for drivers.

"While for spectators, we have provided a new covered grandstand at turns one and two."

Unlike the previous two series in 1999 and 2000, when the Sepang circuit hosted the final race, this year's race will be the second Grand Prix race held after Melbourne.

"We are sure we can attract a similar number of spectators even though it is only five months after October's race. I have to admit we had doubts at first but we are very optimistic that spectators will come," Shuhainie said.

"That's why we launched our sales and promotional program in Europe and Southeast Asian countries right after last year's race."

"We also cooperated with the Hard Rock Cafes in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to sell tickets."

Shuhainie also said SIC had appointed several travel agents in various countries to help Formula One fans arrange their trip.

"I hope more and more Indonesians come to Sepang because it is very near to your country," she said.

"The circuit is able to hold a maximum of 130,000 spectators. But we are ready to increase the capacity if there is a higher demand," she added.

One of the appointed travel agents, Panorama Tours, told reporters it had received a good response from the last Malaysian Grand Prix.

The agent's sales and marketing manager, Tom Mc Ifle, said, "We arranged trips for some 100 spectators last year and expect to have more or less a similar number this year.

"Most of the spectators were impressed with the circuit and its facility. That's why we are sure that we can get more spectators this year," he said. (nvn)