Sepang draws record 261,000 spectators

 The three-day crowd surpassed the previous Malaysian Grand Prix record of 126,690 spectators at the 2008 Malaysian GP.

A total of 103,000 fans attended Sunday’s F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia race at the Sepang International Circuit. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

A total of 261,000 spectators attended the three-day F1 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit, setting a new attendance record for the circuit.

The crowd surpassed the previous Malaysian Grand Prix record of 126,690 spectators recorded at the 2008 Malaysian GP, with 103,000 fans attending Sunday’s race alone.

In a statement, SIC said the figure was confirmed by Bahrain International Circuit chief executive Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa.

Sheikh Salman said the F1 platform provided an opportunity to showcase Bahrain’s culture and hospitality to fans across the region at the Malaysian venue.

“Over 260,000 fans came to witness the biggest event ever held at the Sepang International Circuit, and we are truly grateful to them for bringing their passion and energy,” he said.

In July, Formula 1 confirmed Malaysia as the host of the Gulf Air Bahrain GP from Oct 2 to 4, following an agreement between Formula 1, the FIA, and the governments of Malaysia and Bahrain.

The agreement keeps the Bahrain GP on the 2026 F1 calendar after the race was cancelled earlier this season due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

SIC hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017 before it was removed from the calendar because of rising hosting costs and licensing fees. - FMT