RTM gain rights to broadcast Formula One races this year

PETALING JAYA: Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) has been appointed the host broadcaster for the Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang F1 Circuit from March 21-23. 

The appointment gives RTM exclusive broadcasting rights for the second round of the Formula One World Championship, replacing TV3 who had held the rights for the past four years. 

About 300 million viewers in more than 30 countries are expected to watch the event. 

NEW BROADCASTER: Minister of information Tan Sri Khalil Yaacob (centre) witnessing the exchange of documents between Datuk Arshad Hashim, Secretary General of the Information Ministry (left) and Datuk Adnan Shamsuddin, Executive Director of Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd. RTM are the host broadcaster for the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix in March.

A signing ceremony between Sepang International Circuit (SIC), the promoter and organiser of the Malaysian GP, and RTM was held at in Subang yesterday. SIC was represented by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad executive director Datuk Adnan Shamsuddin and senior general manager Ahmad Mustapha while RTM was represented by Information Ministry secretary general Datuk Dr Arshad Hashim and director general for broadcasting Datuk Ali Musa. 

Information Minister Tan Sri Khalil Yaacob witnessed the ceremony. 

RTM will show the action from all 16 races of the 2003 Formula One World Championship via TV1 and TV2. RTM will also use its 26 radio channels to create excitement for the event. 

Ahmad said about 30% of the tickets had been sold so far. The circuit can take in 130,000 spectators. 

He said that for the first time, the Petronas Malaysian GP would feature three support races – the Porsche Carrera Cup, Formula BMW and Formula Malaysia. 

“We decided to have three support races to make the Petronas Malaysia GP a value-for-money event for sports enthusiasts in the country,” he added. 

Meanwhile, SIC yesterday also signed an agreement with Rudy Project Malaysia as the official eyewear for the Sepang Circuit. 

Rudy Project Malaysia will supply sunglasses and performance eyewear to the staff and track marshals for all events organised by SIC this year.