SIC’s teams assured of funding for world championships

government’s zero based budgeting approach to the use of public funds has left many sports wondering what the future holds for them.

There is, however, no such worry when it comes to Malaysia’s involvement in the MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 World championships.

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali — whose circuit manages the Malaysian teams in the three divisions - confirmed that they will all be selfsustainable for next season.

“We have presented our programmes (to Sports Ministry) for next year for both two- and fourwheel motorsports,” said Razlan.

“This, however, does not include our programmes for MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 as they will all be self-sustainable for next season.

“This is due to Petronas, who have come on board as the title sponsor for the teams, as well as the many other foreign sponsors we have attracted, especially since we have secured a MotoGP slot.

“Thus we do not need to depend on the Sports Ministry, Ministry of Finance or even SIC for funding to run them.

“What we will be focusing on for the two-wheel programmes (that use government funding) is on youth development next season.

“We are looking at placing our young riders in series such as the Asia Talent Cup, Thai Talent Cup, European Talent Cup and European CEV Championships with the goal of preparing (the best among) them to step up to our Moto3 team in 2020.”

The Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team, who will be making their debut in MotoGP next year, have drawn some flak from local fans who believe that Malaysia is not ready to have its own MotoGP team. The team will be fully utilising foreign riders - Italian Franco Morbidelli and Frenchman Fabio Quartararo - for their first year.

Razlan, however, stressed that setting up the team early was necessary for the future and said it already has had a positive trickle down effect on their Moto2 and Moto3 teams.

“Initially our focus was on Moto2 and Moto3 but we were asked by Petronas to see what opportunities were available and present it to them, we could not have done this without a title sponsor.

“Petronas looked at this (backing a MotoGP team) from all angles — commercial, technology and development — and it complied with their objectives so they said yes.

“They had intended to go into MotoGP previously but did not have the chance to do so. We, however, had the opportunity thanks to our close working relationship with Dorna (MotoGP rights holder).

“As I said earlier, with Petronas on board, it allowed us to go into MotoGP and attract more sponsors which have been able to cover the costs for our Moto2 and Moto3 teams.

Razlan added that they have set a two-year plan for Khairul Idham Pawi who they anticipate will be ready to move up to the Premier Class in 2020 or 2021 as well as signing Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah in the future.

Khairul will next year race with the Petronas Sprinta Racing Moto2 team while Hafizh will continue for another season with Tech3.