Mercedes' Nico Rosberg of Germany in action during first practice at the Formula One Malaysia Grand Prix in Sepang on Sept 30, 2016. On Friday, however, both parties announced that the Oct 1 race this year would be the last. Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Friday that declining ticket sales, viewership and tourism were behind the decision to pull out of hosting the race. State oil and gas firm Petronas is the title sponsor of the F1 race. The Sepang circuit will continue to host a round of the motorcycling world championships until 2021 under the terms of a deal signed with MotoGP rights holders Dorna Sports last year.

Source: Bangkok Post April 07, 2017 07:57 UTC