Ticket sales for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) could reach 100,000 ahead of the Oct 2 to 4 race weekend, with about 95,000 tickets already sold, according to SIC CEO Azhan Shafriman Hanif, Bernama reported.
Azhan said the response was particularly strong given that Formula 1 is returning to Malaysia after a nine-year absence. Around 50% of ticket buyers are international visitors, highlighting the race’s appeal beyond Malaysia.
He said the current sales figure was already significantly higher than the 40,000 to 50,000 tickets typically sold during the later years of the Malaysian Grand Prix, although the highest three-day attendance at Sepang was 126,690 in 2008.
The event is expected to bring additional spending to hotels, restaurants and transport, with Bahrain International Circuit CEO Sheikh Salman Isa Al Khalifa estimating an economic impact of about US$240 million or RM979 million for Malaysia.
The scale of the event has also increased logistical demands at SIC, with Formula 1 cargo estimated to be four to five times the volume normally handled for the MotoGP.
Fans will also get performances from Bahrain’s entertainment line-up, including Axwell on Saturday, Oct 3 and Martin Garrix at the post-race concert on Sunday.
The Bahrain GP is being held at Sepang under an agreement between Formula 1, the FIA and the Malaysian and Bahraini governments. The arrangement was confirmed in July after the Bahrain race was cancelled earlier this season amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Malaysia last hosted its own Formula 1 race at Sepang in 2017, with the Malaysian Grand Prix having been on the calendar since 1999.
