Sepang Int'l Circuit Signs Five-Year Contract To Retain MotoGP

The Sepang Int'l Circuit has "signed a new five-year contract to host the MotoGP" at the Sepang Circuit until '21, according to Fadhli Ishak of the NEW STRAITS TIMES. SIC, "currently in its final season of a three-year deal" inked in '13, signed the new contract with with MotoGP rights holder Dorna. The Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix has "attracted record crowds in recent seasons" (NST, 10/29). MOTORSPORT's Darshan Chokhani reported the new contract is for "another five years." SIC Chair Tan Sri Azman Yahya said, "I'm very pleased to announce this as it's my first negotiation as the chairman of Sepang, and I hope our decision is supported and welcomed." This is the 26th year for the championship in Malaysia, as Shah Alam hosted the race from '91-97 before it moved to Johor in '98 and "finally to Sepang the following year." While Sepang's MotoGP race "is safe, the future of its F1 race has been thrown into doubt beyond the end of its current term," which runs to '18 (MOTORSPORT, 10/29).