KUALA LUMPUR: Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Azhan Shahfriman Hanif is hoping to see the MotoGP world champion crowned at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia on Sunday (Nov 3).
It has been a while since the premier class title was last decided in Malaysia. Valentino Rossi won the last of his seven world titles at Sepang in 2009.
Shafriman is expecting an exciting weekend of action with the title fight nearing its climax. The Malaysian GP begins tomorrow with the free practice sessions.
"Personally, I am hoping to see the MotoGP champion crowned at Sepang because it has been a very long time since that has happened," said Shafriman yesterday.
"The gap between Jorge Martin and Francesco Bagnaia has been narrowed to 17 points so we will have to see how they fare in both the sprint race and the main race.
"If it rains, it will definitely be more exciting but I hope that all the riders will be able to stay on their bikes."
It is mathematically possible with 37 points on offer in the penultimate round of the World Championships - 12 in Saturday's sprint race and 25 in the race proper on Sunday.
Prima Pramac Racing's Martin currently holds a decent 17 point advantage over two-time defending champion Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo) but will have to pull a substantial gap over the latter in both races to secure the title here.
To be more specific, Martin needs to bag 21 points more than Bagnaia to win it.
Third-placed Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing), 97 points adrift of Martin, is out of the title race though does have the pace to play a role in deciding the outcome of the title fight.
Shafriman added that SIC has already completed refurbishment works at the circuit which includes replacing the kerbs at turn 15 with new Misano kerbs.
"The new kerbs have already been completed and we are only awaiting the track inspection tomorrow (today)," said Shafriman.
"Tickets have been selling fast and we don't have that many left for the grandstands."
The Misano kerbs, a requirement by MotoGP rights holders Dorna, are intended to prevent riders from exceeding track limits (cut corners).