Malaysia will continue to host F1 GP until 2018: Najib

Malaysia will continue to host the World Formula One Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit until 2018 said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Najib said Petronas would continue to be the main sponsor for the prestigious event but urged the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) as the organiser to enhance promotional activities for the race to attract more fans.

"We need to develop Formula One here as an event that can receive better response from not only the international motorsport fans but also Malaysians in general.

"We have a few ideas, meaning the SIC has a few proposals. Just that they (SIC) need the support of the various government departments. To achieve the objective, we must move collectively," he said after presenting prizes to winners of the Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix, here Sunday.

The race was won by Scuderia Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany.

Najib said ministries like the Tourism and Culture Ministry and various government departments and agencies must regard the F1 as an important event in their calendar.

While commenting whether an extra allocation would be provided for the race, Najib said the government would try to work it out and it would be more for event organising and promotion.

"We need to promote this event more aggressively," he said.