SIC kicks off carnival to promote Formula 1 Malaysian GP, a different kind of Rain will visit Sepang this year!

Sepang International Circuit, promoter and host of the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix, kick started a month long carnival to promote the F1 race at Pavilion KL this afternoon. Malaysia was originally scheduled as the third race of the year, but after F1 decided to skip the Bahrain GP due to political unrest, we will now host the second round of the 2011 season after Melbourne. The Malaysian GP weekend will be from 8 to 10 April.

To make this 13th edition a lucky one, SIC has adopted a different strategy to promote the race. “We have adopted a different strategy this year. Unlike previously, when we have our road shows and on-field promotions as early as January, this year we are going for a solid and aggressive campaign for one month,” said SIC Chairman Dato’ Mokhzani Mahathir.

SIC kicks off carnival to promote Formula 1 Malaysian GP, a different kind of Rain will visit Sepang this year!

They’ve probably realised that it’s pointless to start promotions so early when Malaysians prefer the last minute rush, as witnessed recently in the police summons discount issue.

Mokhzani also named Pavilion KL and Fahrenheit (just across the street) as key venue partners. Both shopping malls will have F1 cars on display as well as a mini podium. Shopping promos at these malls will offer great “money can’t buy” prizes such as starting grid passes, pit garage tours, safety car rides and pit walkabout passes. In addition, from 15 March, the month-long GP Sale will kick off across the country. More ways to spend your cash!

SIC kicks off carnival to promote Formula 1 Malaysian GP, a different kind of Rain will visit Sepang this year!

SIC is planning for street demos too. Team Lotus will draw some tyre marks in Putrajaya on April 2 and SIC is working on getting champions Red Bull to have one in KL city, Mokhzani said.

Last year’s race saw an attendance of 96,984 spectators, and SIC is targeting 100k this year. It should be possible, since this season will see three teams – Mercedes GP Petronas, Team Lotus and Lotus Renault GP – calling Malaysia “home”. Organisers also pointed out that the Virgin team will have Malaysian based direct selling company Q-Net as a sponsor.

SIC kicks off carnival to promote Formula 1 Malaysian GP, a different kind of Rain will visit Sepang this year!

Ticket prices have been lowered to start from RM60 for the whole race weekend, but that’s still not the biggest news – SIC has confirmed that the race will see Rain. Not the usual rain from the sky, but Korean superstar Rain who will be the closing act at the helipad after the race.

Do check out the displays at the malls and see you at the race!

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