Formula One Malaysian GP would be Permanent Feature

KUALA LUMPUR: Reaffirming the government’s support, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi said the Petronas Formula One Malaysian GP would continue to be a permanent feature for Malaysia.

Launching the ninth edition of the Malaysian GP on Tuesday night, Abdullah said the government would take all the necessary efforts to preserve Malaysia’s rights to host the event, which is accorded by the worldwide rights holder Formula One Management (FOM).

“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that we will take all efforts to ensure Formula One would continue to be a permanent feature for Malaysia.

"It has always been a key tool for the Government in enhancing the country’s image and in the promotion of Malaysia as a leading international tourist destination.

“Moreover, Formula One has also done much in terms of developing motorsports in the country,” said Abdullah at the launch ceremony held at Impiana KLCC Kuala Lumpur.

Abdullah added the huge impact of Formula One underlined the significance for Malaysia to host the event.

"To put things into perspective, an average of 40,000 international fans – in addition to tens of thousands local fans – have come to Sepang F1 circuit each year since its inception to catch the Malaysian round of the Formula One World Championship.

“Some 600 million more viewed it live via television broadcasts.

"Effectively, that makes the Malaysian GP as the single biggest event to showcase Malaysia to the international audience and to attract foreign tourists," he added.

Source : STAR

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