20 March 2002KUALA LUMPUR - The Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, which ended on Sunday, has brought returns of RM1 billion (US$26 million) to the country.
It also attracted more than 150,000 fans over the three days the race was held, according to Sepang International Circuit chairman Tan Sri Basir Ismail.
This year's turnout at the Sepang circuit was very encouraging due to the hard work of the SIC’s team hardwork in promoting the event, he added.
Owing to last weekend’s success, SIC is confident next year's race, which is scheduled for March 14-16, will be just as successful. Next year’s race will be the second leg of the Formula One circuit.
SIC has started promotions of the 2003 race. F1 fans can purchase the tickets for this at a 15 percent discount at the Sepang International Circuit, on condition they are purchased before the end of the month.
However, the discount is not applicable for the RM100 tickets or the special Sunday ticket.
Basir said SIC is also considering reviewing the prices of all tickets except for the prime grandstand seats at K1 and F1.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who attended the race on Sunday, said Malaysia had become more famous as its name as the host nation had been aired all over the world through the international media coverage of the event.
"The organising of this event in Malaysia is good for the country's economy. We are getting many side benefits," Abdullah was quoted as saying.