PUTRAJAYA – The Kazakhstan Grand Prix, scheduled for June 14-15, marks its debut on the MotoGP calendar, with Malaysia offering its expertise for the event.
This confirmation came from Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) president Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, who indicated their likelihood of dispatching a team of officials to support the MotoGP race at the Sokol International Circuit in Almaty.
He added that the Sokol International Circuit had requested approximately 400 personnel to aid in organising the race, given that it would be their inaugural hosting of such an event.
Required expertise include marshals, stewards and the clerk of the course.
“I still remember, back in 1999, when we first organised the F1 race at the (Sepang International Circuit), we received assistance from officials from the Estoril Circuit (in Portugal), and then our officials also shared their expertise when new circuits were opened for F1 races.
“Now we are invited to help the circuit in Almaty, and we are assessing the needs required by them, whether our experienced personnel in motorsports are sufficient or not.
“I am informed by our affiliates at MAM and officials at (Sepang) that yes, we have sufficient expertise,” said Mokhzani when met at the MAM Hari Raya open house in Putrajaya today.
The Sokol circuit, developed by local tycoon Alijan Ibragimov at an estimated cost of US$40 million (RM191 million), was originally intended for MotoGP races last season.
However, homologation works and global operational challenges led to its cancellation.
Nevertheless, preparations are now complete to welcome the world’s top riders to Kazakhstan.
Malaysia’s track record in deploying certified officials extends to venues like Lombok’s Mandalika Circuit, which was one of the venues for the 2022 MotoGP season. – April 25, 2024