Sports ministry says Sepang MotoGP set for 200,000‑strong turnout on F1 buzz

Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the ministry is confident of drawing 200,000 visitors over the three‑day MotoGP, up from more than 190,000 at the last edition. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 11 Oct 2026 6:08 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 — The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) expects the positive response to the recent Formula One (F1) event will translate into a strong turnout for the Oct 30-Nov 1 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

Its Minister, Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, said that as such, KBS is optimistic of attracting 200,000 visitors over the three-day race period, compared with more than 190,000 at the previous edition

“F1 has just concluded at the SIC, and we are very confident that the excitement among Malaysians and visitors from overseas will continue, carrying the momentum from F1 into MotoGP.

“So, we are greatly confident that attendance will reach the target we have set,” he told the MotoGP 2026 media conference after witnessing the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SIC and Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) here today.

Commenting on the participation of Malaysians in the race, he expressed high hopes that youngster Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli would deliver an impressive performance on home soil, backed by strong support from local fans.

“I hope Hakim Danish can do his best because this is his home circuit. Surely he is familiar with the track and I am sure that the enthusiasm, support and encouragement of Malaysians will help him to do his best for our country,” he added.

Commenting on the possibility of Sepang again serving as a replacement venue for an F1 race amid the turmoil in West Asia, he said KBS would hold a meeting next week to set up a special committee to assess the feasibility of hosting the sport in the future.

He clarified that any decision regarding the matter must be carefully evaluated based on facts and data before being presented to the Cabinet to ensure its hosting would generate economic benefits for the country.

“I will call for a meeting next week and we will form a committee to ensure the feasibility of hosting an F1 race here in the future. I have updated the Cabinet on this matter, a meeting will be held and a special committee will be set up soon.

“If this benefits the country, then let’s work towards it. But if hosting the F1 would result in a loss, then we will update the Cabinet accordingly and, ultimately, the decision will be made at a Cabinet meeting,” he added.

On the economic impact of the recent F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, he said a detailed study was underway to assess the wider economic spillover beyond ticket sales, including participation by traders and the hospitality sector.

Commenting on the issue of traffic congestion during the F1 race, he assured that improvement measures would continue to be implemented in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the MotoGP event runs smoothly.

“This was the first time the (F1) event was jointly organised by Bahrain International Circuit and SIC. We do not want to blame any party, what’s important is to find solutions together,” he said.

Mohammed Taufiq also welcomed the proposal to add more train stops serving the Sepang circuit, saying he would bring it to a higher level as it would require inter-ministerial engagement to improve public transport access to SIC. — Bernama