Last race drives record numbers to SIC
Tickets to main grandstand sold out as early as Friday, says circuit CEO
SEPANG: Fans are showing their love for the last Formula One race in Malaysia, snapping up tickets at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
Tickets to the main iconic grandstand were sold out as early as Friday while those for other seats were also going fast.
“In my nine years here, they have never been sold out,” said SIC chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali.
The only time tickets sold out for the main grandstand was in 2008, he said, when Petronas was celebrating its 10th anniversary and after prices were slashed.
Yesterday, close to 30,000 fans turned up to catch the final practice and qualifying session for the race – the most so far – many of whom were seen taking their seats even before it began at 2pm.
Razlan said an estimated 27,000 people were recorded at the circuit.
“On Friday, there were at least 16,000 fans who came to the track, which was also the highest number for any free practice session.
“So far, we have sold 70,280 tickets for the race,” he said, adding that their target was 80,000 tickets.
“But selling 70,000 tickets is already promising.”
The grandstands were never this full on a Saturday afternoon in the 19 years that the Formula One Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix has been held here.
Despite the looming thunderclouds, nothing was going to dampen the spirit at the circuit.
Some of the main grandstand seats directly across the pit garage have been converted to tribunes for the teams taking part in the race.
The circuit management has predicted that more than 100,000 people would be attending the race, which many Formula One drivers claim is the most challenging of the season.
The SIC is notoriously unpredictable as it can be sunny in the morning before the skies turn dark in the late afternoon, bringing torrential storms.
A 30-minute session in the afternoon saw fans besieging their favourite drivers, including those from the Scuderia Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG Petronas, Williams Martini Racing and Red Bull Racing teams, with questions.
The Grand Prix is set to take place today at 3pm.