KUALA LUMPUR: This year’s Malaysian Grand Prix is set to be the country’s last, Prime Minister Najib Razak said Friday, citing rising costs and falling ticket sales.
The Malaysian race, whose future has been in doubt for several years, will disappear from Formula One’s 2018 calendar — a year earlier than initially planned — while France and Germany return for a 21-race season.
“The Cabinet has agreed to end the Formula One Grand Prix effective 2018 in view of the low returns compared to the cost of hosting the race,” Najib said in a statement.
Officials said last year that Malaysia would cease to host Formula One from 2019, waving the checkered flag on a race which began in 1999.
Razlan Razali, chief executive of Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit (SIC) where the grand prix is held, said the termination was “mutually agreed” by race organizers Formula One Management and SIC.
“Since I joined SIC nine years ago, we had tried to make it work for the economy and ensure all stakeholders like hotels and airlines benefit,” Razlan said.
“But unfortunately in the last few years we had seen a dramatic decline in terms of television audiences and spectators.”
Malaysia spends 300 million ringgit ($67.6 million) each year to host the race but was not getting any return on its investment, according to Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz.
The race has faced intensifying competition in the region, particularly from the night Grand Prix in neighboring Singapore, just as energy-exporting Malaysia has seen its government revenues sapped by weak world oil prices and slowing economic growth.
Formula One races often run at a loss but they are attractive to many cities because of their prestige and exposure to global audiences.
Najib noted in his statement that in 1999 only 16 countries hosted Formula One races, including two in Asia. This has now grown 21 countries worldwide, including six in Asia.
Malaysian officials have said the Sepang circuit, which can accommodate 120,000 fans, drew just 45,000 to the 2016 Grand Prix, and TV ratings were also poor.
“It’s always sad to say goodbye to a member of the Formula One family,” said Sean Bratches, managing director of the sport’s commercial operations.
“Over nearly two decades, the Malaysian Formula One fans have proven themselves to be some of the sport’s most passionate supporters,” he added.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Sepang International Circuit for their hospitality and professionalism over the years, and their ongoing commitment to motor sport.”
Formula One: Malaysia to scrap F1 after 2017
Formula One: Malaysia to scrap F1 after 2017
Sara Bejlek celebrates career-first WTA Tour win at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
- 20-year-old qualifier beats Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6, 6-1 in the final
- Alexandrova and Maya Joint sealed the women’s doubles title
ABU DHABI: The final day of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open was a memorable one for 20-year-old Sara Bejlek as she captured her maiden WTA Tour title in only her second appearance at this level.
Ekaterina Alexandrova and Maya Joint claimed the doubles crown, while Yui Kamiji won the inaugural Wheelchair Tennis Invitational presented by the WTA Foundation.
Bejlek, competing in her tournament debut as a qualifier, defied the odds by defeating pre-match favorite Alexandrova, who was chasing an Abu Dhabi double having reached both the singles and doubles finals. With her 7-6, 6-1 victory, Bejlek became the first Czech player to win the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title.
Bejlek said after the win: “I’m getting back into shape, and it feels incredible. Now I know I can compete with anyone and not be scared of anybody. My team believed in me even before I stepped back on court, and now I truly believe it too.
“I’ve learned that as long as the match isn’t finished, I always have a chance. I’m really happy with how my team is working with me, and today Abu Dhabi has become my favorite tournament.”
In the doubles, Alexandrova responded strongly after her singles final defeat to claim the title alongside Australian Joint. The pair secured a 6-3, 6-7, 10-8 victory over Tereza Mihalikova and Olivia Nicholls in a fiercely contested but rain-delayed match.
Earlier in the day, World No.1 Kamiji made history when she won the inaugural wheelchair event 6-3, 6-2. The final against 20 grand slam title winner Jiske Griffioen on the ADCB Court 1 attracted huge crowds as both players displayed their skills for the first time in Abu Dhabi.
Kamiji said after the win: “I’m really happy to get the opportunity to play here; it’s such a great tournament and the courts are fantastic as well. My goal for the season is to win the title I haven’t been able to get yet, which is the Wimbledon singles.”
In the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, there was some outstanding finals between the most talented youngsters in the country. In the Under-12 category, Uchechukwu (Megan) Uzokwe and Yezid Baccouche were crowned champions. Isabelle James secured her third consecutive Road to MADO title, while Marwan Safi claimed the Under-14 boys’ crown. In the Under-16 category, Saida Ismail eared the girls’ title and Timur Gordeev lifted his third consecutive trophy in the competition.
Monica Puig, Olympic gold medalist in tennis and tournament presenter, said: “The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is the first of three tournaments in the Middle East, and is a special event to be part of. The fans have made it an incredible week, and they always turn out for this tournament, so that is really great to see.
“Sara (Bejlek’s) performance was impressive for a 20-year-old because I never saw her at any point look nervous on the court. She just stuck to her guns and did what she needed to do, and I’m really excited to keep an eye on her.”
Nigel Gupta, tournament director for the event, said: “The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has once again proven to be a fantastic tournament, with sell-out crowds creating an incredible atmosphere and fans were treated to world-class tennis throughout the week. Seeing Bejlek win her first WTA Tour title was truly unbelievable and a joy for everyone watching.
“It was also incredibly exciting to showcase wheelchair tennis at this event for the first time — the level, skill and competitiveness on display was outstanding. We’re already looking ahead to how we can continue building this tournament and ensuring it continues to be an event that everyone looks forward to each year.”
