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Sepang International Circuit gears up for 2016

The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) gears itself up for 2016 despite a challenging year in 2015.

Sepang International Circuit - Track Closure

The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is all set and ready to take on 2016. Despite the difficult year that was 2015, the circuit’s management remains optimistic as it readies itself to take on more challenges this year.

Last year saw the circuit record a decline in spectatorship for one of its key annual events, the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix. Another major event that performed below its expectations was the 2015 eni FIM Malaysian World Superbike Championship (WSBK) race weekend.

In its press release, the circuit’s management admitted that these two events were plagued by the depreciating exchange value of the Malaysian Ringgit currency. It also highlighted that last year’s Hari Raya festive holiday period also played a role in the low fan support for the Malaysian WSBK race weekend.

Although the annual Malaysian MotoGP weekend was hailed as a major success indeed, even it was in jeopardy of being cancelled due to the major haze ecological pandemic. Nevertheless, last year’s 2015 Shell Malaysian MotoGP went ahead as planned with the infamous on-track drama adding further to the Malaysian MotoGP event’s 25th anniversary celebrations as well.

The circuit will be faced with a challenging year ahead. Besides the uncertain economic conditions, the early Hari Raya festive holidays, as well as the circuit’s planned temporary closure for resurfacing and upgrades, SIC remains optimistic and has even released tentative dates for three major events.

2015 Roundup & 2016 Preview

Things will kick off with the third running of the eni FIM Malaysian WSBK weekend from May 13 to May 15, followed by the annual Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix scheduled from Sept 30 to Oct 2, as well as the Malaysian MotoGP race weekend slated from Oct 28 to Oct 30.

More information as well as ticketing information can be obtained by visiting sepangcircuit.com.

Co-founder of Bikes Republic and a motoring journalist by night. He is a self described enthusiasts with a passion for speed but instead rides a Harley and a J300. A man of contradictions, he is just as passionate about time off in the quiets as he is about trail braking into turn one at Sepang Circuit on two or four wheels.

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