KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 (NNN-Bernama): Organisers of the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix (F1) this April are banking on the presence of two-Malaysian backed teams to attract over 160,000 spectators for the three-day event.

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Chief Executive Officer Razlan Razali said they were expecting about 100,000 motorsport fans to turn up on race day, April 4.

“For the first time in the history of F1, there will be two teams carrying the interest of Malaysia and that itself has made this year’s Formula 1 race in Sepang very special,” Razlan said in a statement here on Wednesday.

According to him, the presence of Lotus F1 Racing Team, headed by Team Principal and AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes, and Mercedes GP Petronas Team have boosted interest for ticket sales this year.

“We are hopeful of a record turnout this year,” Razlan said, adding that the entries of teams backed by Petronas and Lotus in the race have generated a huge interest among local fans.

Sepang recorded its biggest turnout in 2008 with an attendance of more than 126,000 on Race Day, March 23.

It will host the third round of the 19-leg championship which starts with the season opener in Bahrain next weekend.

For 2010, Petronas, which previously had worked with BMW and Sauber, would be the title sponsor for the Mercedes GP Petronas team that has sensationally wooed back the legendary Michael Schumacher to compete in the championship this year, partnering German compatriot Nico Rosberg.

The Lotus F1 Racing Team, supported by Proton, Air Asia, Naza Group and Tune Group, features Italian driver Jarno Trulli and Finnish driver Heikki Kovailanen while Malaysian Fairuz Fauzy will be the reserve driver.

Razlan said sales of tickets was progressing well, adding that they have set up booths at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre and Pavillion here, and at Gurney Plaza in Penang, to boost domestic ticket sales.

“Alternatively, fans can go to our official website at www.sepangcircuit.com.my to buy their tickets,” Razlan added.

In support of the event, Kuala Lumpur City Hall will be launching its KL Grand Prix City programme next week while Tourism Malaysia will launch its nationwide GP Sale starting next week.

-NNN-BERNAMA

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