SEPANG: The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) have admitted that they have taken a financial hit from the cancellation of the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix this year.
But it's not all doom and gloom for Malaysia's flagship racing circuit.
SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said they had initially planned to go ahead with a limited capacity crowd for the Malaysian GP on Oct 30-Nov 1 but decided not to take the risk with Covid-19 yet to subside.
The MotoGP event has been the track's most profitable race over the past decade, achieving record spectator numbers in recent years. More than 100,000 had turned up race day last year.
"We had targeted a lower percentage (of spectators) this year, the plan was to have 45 per cent from the capacity we had last year," said Shafriman.
"The number of tickets which have already been sold is quite low because we stopped ticket sales when the Movement Control Order (MCO) began (in March).
"We had (until then) managed to sell roughly 20 to 30 per cent of that (from target). We, however, decided not to go ahead with the race after consulting with the authorities as the Covid-19 situation has yet to subside.
"Despite having strict standard operating procedures (SOP) in place, we did not want to take the risk and possibly cause a Sepang cluster which would create a negative perception of the event and the sport.
"Those who have purchased tickets may contact us for details on how to get a refund."
Shafriman stressed that while the track lost money due to the cancellation, the recent easing of government restrictions on local motorsports activities has allowed the track to begin earning an income again.
"Yes, MotoGP is an event which creates an income for us but our bread and butter is actually from track days and events," added Shafriman.
"Since we were given approval to resume local events and activities last month, we have received many track bookings. We are fully booked on the weekends until the end of the year.
"With these events as well as support from our partners, we should be able to cover the losses from MotoGP."
But question marks still remain over who will be the title sponsor for the Malaysian GP next year. Shell is in its final year of contract for the race and there is yet to be any confirmation on whether they will sign a new deal.
"I cannot comment on this as Shell signs the contract directly with Dorna. All title sponsors deal directly with the rights holders (Dorna)," said Shafriman.
Shell have been title sponsors for the Malaysian GP every year since 2009 - with the exception of 2012 - and had signed a four year renewal in 2016.