Malaysia is expected to learn within weeks whether it will continue hosting the MotoGP World Championship at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), as the government reviews a proposal to extend the current agreement beyond this year.

SIC Chief Executive Officer, Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the renewal proposal has already been submitted through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and is awaiting consideration at Cabinet level.

He expressed hope that an official decision would be announced this month, noting that SIC has proposed a new five-year term to support long-term planning and future development initiatives tied to MotoGP.

Among the projects being considered is the establishment of an Asia Talent Cup operational base in Sepang, aimed at strengthening the local motorsports ecosystem while generating skilled job opportunities in engineering, mechanics and data analysis.

Azhan acknowledged that hosting costs have risen by an estimated 10 to 15 per cent but maintained that the continued presence of MotoGP would deliver strong economic and promotional value to Malaysia’s motorsports and tourism sectors.

Separately, MotoGP Chief Sporting Officer Carlos Ezpeleta said discussions between both parties have shown encouraging progress, adding that Malaysia remains an important destination on the global racing calendar.

He said negotiations are nearing completion and now primarily involve formal government procedures before any extension can be confirmed.

Malaysia has staged MotoGP races at Sepang since 1999, with only the 2020 and 2021 editions cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE