Decline in spectator numbers for 2015 Malaysian GP – Sepang International Circuit expects a tough 2016

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) has revealed in its 2015 roundup that the year was a difficult one for it – while the MotoGP round provided cheer, garnering more than 150,000 spectators, there was a decline in spectator numbers for the 2015 Malaysian F1 GP and lower than expected fan support for the FIM Superbike World Championship 2015 (WSBK) round held here, the latter due to the Hari Raya period.

The implementation of GST also impacted ticket sales, with consumers cutting down on spending for non-essentials, and forex losses following the depreciation of the ringgit didn’t help, SIC said.

Even as sales and revenue targets for events like the F1 and WSBK fell short due to limited local support, compounded by GST and the haze, the track itself continued to be popular in terms of bookings – SIC says it has been hitting a consistent 98% for the past five years. The track has become more popular with new audiences, with an increase in non-motorsports related activities and events being held there.

With regards to the Petronas Malaysia Formula One Grand Prix 2015, the decline in overall spectator numbers, particularly local spectators, was offset by an increase in international visitors, which saw a growth of 2.7%.

The venue is set to host F1 until 2018, following successful negotiation with Formula One Management, though the race for this year has been rescheduled – the Malaysian GP is now placed further along in the 2016 calendar, moving from its usual second slot to become the 16th race. It’s set to run on October 2, two weeks after the Singapore GP.

The move is to facilitate resurfacing and upgrading works to be carried out on the 5.54 km-long circuit to ensure homologation requirements. The track will be closed from February to May.

The closure will be part of the challenges facing SIC this year – the company says it is expecting a demanding year, given the reduced revenue following the track closure for three months. Nevertheless, there are indications of improvements being seen in ticket sales and spectator numbers in 2016, with the WSBK taking place on a more conducive weekend and featuring a well-known local rider, and the move to October will allow SIC more time to promote Malaysian F1 GP.

It added that plans to expand SIC’s scope beyond the track will continue to be pursued – planned projects over the next few years include a hotel and a specialised drivers’ education facility within SIC’s 300 hectare land bank.

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