Malaysia: Malaysia has extended its contract to host the Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) for another five years until 2031, Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari announced. The new contract, set to commence next year, has received Cabinet approval, underscoring the government's dedication to maintaining Malaysia's status as a prominent motorsport hub.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the current contract for the Malaysian MotoGP covers the period from 2024 until the end of this year. Dr. Mohammed Taufiq emphasized that this renewal is a strategic decision aimed at keeping Malaysia competitive on the global motorsport stage. He shared these insights during an announcement ceremony held at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
The contract extension aligns with the government's broader goals to bolster the nation's motorsport ecosystem and stimulate economic opportunities through world-class events. Dr. Mohammed Taufiq highlighted the MotoGP's role as a national asset that benefits various sectors such as tourism, hospitality, transportation, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). An economic impact study revealed that the 2024 edition of the MotoGP generated an economic impact of approximately RM694 million, created over 4,400 jobs, and delivered a return on investment of around 6.3 times for Malaysia.
Beyond its economic contributions, the Malaysia MotoGP is instrumental in nurturing local talent and developing technical expertise within the motorsport industry. The Malaysian Motorsport Development (MDEV) programme, for instance, has successfully produced riders like Hakim Danish and Qabil Irfan, who are gaining international recognition.
Malaysia first hosted the MotoGP in 1991 before the event moved to the SIC in 1999. Dr. Mohammed Taufiq expressed hope that the extended contract will serve as a catalyst for the development of the country's motorsport sector, particularly in training local riders for international competition.
The minister also mentioned the various facilities at the Sepang International Circuit designed to provide riders with necessary training. He stressed the importance of consistent performance and improvement over the five-year period. Additionally, he expressed aspirations for the MotoGP to act as a long-term investment, fostering the growth of more riders through development programmes throughout the hosting period.