Sepang weighs first MotoGP ticket price review since 2022 as SIC takes on bigger share of hosting costs
Days before the Malaysian MotoGP, Sepang International Circuit says it is reviewing ticket prices and track rental rates as its share of hosting costs rises from 2027.
Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is looking at raising MotoGP ticket prices and reviewing what it charges to rent the track, as the circuit prepares to shoulder a growing share of the cost of keeping the Malaysian round on the calendar. The comments from chief executive Azhan Shafriman Hanif, reported by Bernama on Wednesday, come just two days before practice begins for this weekend's Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia.
Why prices are under review
Azhan said the last review of ticket prices took place in 2022, after the Covid-19 pandemic, and that the circuit's costs have risen since. He stressed that any increase should not place too heavy a burden on fans.
SIC's direct revenue on race weekends comes mainly from ticket sales, hospitality packages, retail and other commercial activity at the venue. Much of the wider economic benefit of the event, Azhan noted, flows to hotels, food and beverage outlets, logistics firms and local suppliers rather than to the circuit itself.
Facilities first
Before any price rise, SIC wants to improve the experience for spectators. Azhan pointed to lessons from the circuit's Formula One years, including giant screens, better sound systems, and easier access to drinking water and shade, as areas to be addressed first.
On track rental, the circuit currently charges around RM70,000 to RM80,000 a day, including marshals and facilities. SIC plans to benchmark those rates against other local and international circuits, cut back on discounts and offer extra services instead, while still considering support for long-standing customers.
The new hosting deal
The review is tied to Malaysia's new MotoGP contract. In July, the government confirmed a five-year extension covering 2027 to 2031, with estimated total financing of RM457 million. Under a progressive cost-sharing arrangement, SIC will pay 10 per cent of the annual hosting and organising costs in 2027, rising to 50 per cent by 2031. Previously, the government covered the full rights fee.
Malaysia has hosted MotoGP at Sepang every year since 1999, apart from 2020 and 2021, when the race was cancelled because of the pandemic.
Crowd mix and this weekend's race
According to Azhan, local fans make up about 70 per cent of the Sepang crowd, with international visitors accounting for 20 to 30 per cent; Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia are the biggest overseas markets. He said an even split between domestic and foreign spectators within five years would be ideal, and called for closer promotion work with Tourism Malaysia and MotoGP.
This year's race runs from Friday, 30 October, to Sunday, 1 November. Organisers have set a target of 200,000 spectators across the weekend, above last year's record of 190,977, and the discounted Rahmah tickets for the K2 Hillstand are again priced at RM49.90. Entry to the main activity areas is free on Friday, with tickets needed on Saturday and Sunday. The MotoGP sprint is scheduled for Saturday afternoon and the main race for Sunday afternoon, Malaysian time.
Key takeaways
- SIC is reviewing MotoGP ticket prices for the first time since 2022, alongside track rental charges.
- Track hire currently costs about RM70,000 to RM80,000 a day.
- SIC's share of hosting costs rises from 10 per cent in 2027 to 50 per cent by 2031 under the RM457 million deal.
- The circuit wants better spectator facilities in place before any price increase.
- The 2026 Malaysian MotoGP runs from 30 October to 1 November, with a 200,000-spectator target.
FAQ
Will Malaysian MotoGP tickets cost more next year? No increase has been announced. SIC says it is reviewing prices and wants to improve facilities first, without giving figures or a timeline.
How much will SIC contribute to hosting MotoGP? SIC will pay 10 per cent of annual hosting and organising costs in 2027, rising in stages to 50 per cent by 2031.
When is the 2026 Malaysian MotoGP? The Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia runs from Friday, 30 October, to Sunday, 1 November, at Sepang.
Sources: Bernama, Free Malaysia Today, Scoop, TVS, MotoGP.com, Speedweek