The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will promote Formula One (F1) more aggressively after successfully extending the contract to organise the prestigious event until 2018, said its chairman
Tan Sri Mokhzani Tun Dr Mahathir.

Mokhzani said they heeded the call of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak that all parties, including SIC and other government departments should work together to ensure that the promotion, and all other activities were carried out better.

"I feel thankful that we have extended the contract for another three years. Discussions between SIC, FOM (Formula One Management) and Petronas created a 'win-win' situation for all parties. A more affordable price, so that we can attract local audiences, not only those from abroad.

"That is important ... we need more residents and Malaysian citizens to come to the Sepang Circuit to watch F1 for the next 3 years," he told reporters after the conclusion of the Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, here, today.

Mokhzani said a total of 80,604 spectators came for all three days of the event, which began on Friday.

Meanwhile, SIC chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali said that F1 was a mega event, and it was not a straight forward extension.

Razlan said it involved a lot of money and stakeholders after hosting F1 for almost 17 years, since 1999.

"We need to really be sure of ourselves, we need to make sure (that) commitment by all agencies are there. (Being) the title sponsor is not as easy as it seems.

"The last contract is over ... we are entering the new phase of the event. There is a comittent by all parties after the meeting just now. I look forward for next year," he said.