Confusion arises regarding tickets for the Sepang 'Bahrain GP'.
Confusion has already arisen regarding ticket sales and pricing for the Bahrain GP, which will be held at Sepang in Malaysia. Scheduled for early October, this unusual arrangement has sparked significant local interest, but Petronas clarified that having its name on the circuit does not make it responsible for the event.
“Since Petronas is not the event organizer, it does not manage, control, or have access to ticket allocation, sales, or distribution,” the company stated. “The management of ticket sales is solely the responsibility of the event organizer and its authorized channels.”
Azhan Shafriman Hanif, the chief executive of Sepang, confirmed that Bahrain will dictate ticket pricing and retain the proceeds. “All revenue from ticket sales will go back to Bahrain, so we don’t have the absolute authority to decide on certain matters,” he explained. “I will do my best to negotiate a special price... for Malaysians, but the final call lies with Bahrain since they are covering the rights fee.”
Azhan also noted that operational costs will be shared between Sepang and Bahrain. However, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim remarked that Malaysia's direct spending will be limited to circuit maintenance and other related work. “This time, we are organizing without incurring registration fees – it’s free,” he stated.
Azhan added that the initial inspection by Formula 1 found no significant obstacles, and the circuit won't need resurfacing, although runoff areas and infrastructure will be upgraded in the brief preparation period. “In previous years, we faced challenges in selling tickets,” he mentioned. “Now, Formula 1 has amassed a vast global fan base, leading to a fear of missing out. Since the announcement, we’ve received queries regarding sponsorships, festivals, and commercial activities. It’s a fortunate challenge.”
He indicated that discussions about a permanent return to the calendar would take place only after the one-time race is completed. “Our priority is to successfully execute this event first,” Azhan noted. “If we can earn the trust of all involved and deliver something exceptional, we may consider future opportunities.”
F1 aims to complete at least 22 races to mitigate potential claims from broadcasters, sponsors, and commercial partners, and has reportedly considered Imola and even a second race in Brazil as alternative options. Concerns regarding the remaining Gulf rounds have grown after the WEC canceled its intended finales in Qatar and Bahrain due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which have now been replaced by events in Barcelona and Monza.
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