Sepang International Circuit has expressed hope that national oil and gas company Petronas will continue its commitment as title sponsor of the Malaysian motorcycle Grand Prix after the current contract ends at the conclusion of this season. Circuit management hopes any sponsorship extension can be aligned with the venue's five-year hosting contract alongside MotoGP commercial rights holder Dorna Sports through 2031.
Speaking during the first day of free practice at the Malaysian Grand Prix, SIC Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif stated that if an agreement is reached, the circuit operator wants the sponsorship duration to mirror its five-year agreement with Dorna. Shafriman described Petronas as an excellent brand synonymous with MotoGP and expressed hope that the discussions will produce a positive outcome.
Shafriman's remarks followed a meeting on Thursday between Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Dorna Sports Chief Executive Officer Carmelo Ezpeleta, which discussed efforts to maintain the company's sponsorship commitment. A proposal for Petronas to continue as title sponsor of MotoGP for coming years will be discussed with Petronas President and Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz.
SIC has not yet received updates regarding the status of the negotiations, leaving the final decision entirely to the management of Dorna and Petronas. Adding that it remains too early to comment further while Petronas and Dorna discuss in greater detail, Shafriman emphasized that the decision rests in the hands of Petronas, while reaffirming SIC's hope to see the company remain for future editions. Petronas originally became title sponsor of the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2022 after Shell previously fulfilled that role.
Sources: SIC harap Petronas kekal penaja utama MotoGP Malaysia.
