Fan-tastic turnout in Sepang

Packed house: Spectators watching the MotoGP race from the hillstand at the Sepang International Circuit on Sunday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

PETALING JAYA: The Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia set a new record attendance at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) despite a busy weekend in the country.

The circuit recorded a total of 190,977 fans across three days, a bump compared to last year’s 184,923 fans.

Although it was just short of the targeted 200,000 fans, SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said it was a great turnout overall.

There was fear that many would not show up following the Asean Summit in the city centre.

“Although we didn’t hit the 200,000 target, everyone turned up despite the road closures,” said Azhan.

“We could see that the grandstands were full of people who came out to support.

“We were able to sell more tickets than last year, but of course, we can still improve in terms of sales. Perhaps we need to change our strategy for next year.”

SIC’s current contract to host MotoGP expires next year, and Azhan said they were in talks with rights holder Dorna as well as the government to continue hosting the Grand Prix in Malaysia.

“At the moment, we are still negotiating with Dorna on the rights fee, and the cabinet paper will also be presented soon.

Going steady: Alex Marquez (left) leading the MotoGP race of Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia.

“Our focus is on convincing the government that we need MotoGP.

“In order for that to continue, we need to show the government that the ticket sales are good, the stands are full, and it makes sense for us to continue.

“We also need to look at the return and how else we can commercialise from this contract,” he said.

SIC will see MotoGP action again early next year when the teams return for the pre-season test taking place from Feb 3-5, followed by the season launch from Feb 6-7.

The only setback during the race when CIP Green Power’s Noah Dettwiler was struck from behind by newly-crowned world champion Jose Antonio Rueda of Redbull KTM Ajo during the Moto3 sighting lap.

Both riders had to be airlifted separately to Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and the Moto3 race was delayed for almost two hours as they had to wait for the helicopters to return.

Dettwiler’s team said on social media that the 20-year-old Swiss rider will need to undergo multiple surgeries.

MotoGP also updated that Rueda was awake and alert, but was in pain from the crash, and suffered hand fractures as well as a number of contusions.

During the main race on Sunday, Spain’s Alex Marquez clinching his third win this season while compatriot Pedro Acosta came in second followed by Joan Mir, completing the all-Spanish podium.

Marquez had already sealed his spot as second-place finisher in the world championship behind big brother Marc Marquez, who did not race this weekend due to injury.