KUALA LUMPUR: The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and Petronas have decided to end their collaboration in relation to the Petronas Sepang Racing Team’s (SRT) title partnership in the Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) World Championships.
SIC in a statement, announced that the collaboration with the national oil company will end at the conclusion of the 2021 MotoGP season.
Petronas has been the title partner to SRT since 2018 through Petronas Sprinta Racing in Moto2 and Moto3, before the project was expanded to MotoGP in 2019 via Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (PYSRT).
SIC said the team is expected to make an announcement regarding its continuation in MotoGP from 2022 onwards under a new independent entity.
SIC Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said both parties have enjoyed a meaningful partnership with great achievements and memorable moments with the team.
“We respect Petronas’ decision, and mutually agreed that this partnership has accomplished its purpose and objectives. I believe this is not the end of our collaboration in motorsports as we continue our quest in nurturing Malaysia’s motorsports talents.
“SIC is proud to have been involved in the formation and early development of the team that had surpassed expectations in its performance. We wish the team all the best in the next phase of its evolution under a new entity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Petronas’ Head of Strategic Communications Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz in the same statement, expressed gratitude to SIC for their commitment towards ensuring the success of the partnership.
“We entered into this partnership with SIC to showcase our R&D capabilities, and we are proud that Petronas Fluid Technology Solutions have been instrumental towards establishing the team’s status as a championship contender.
“Together, we have created some standout moments in the sport, serving as an indication that we have achieved what we set out to do and we feel it is the right time for us to conclude the partnership,” she said.
Through the collaboration, PYSRT had a fantastic debut in the Premier Class in the 2019 season, winning accolades as Top Independent Team and finished fourth in the MotoGP World Championship.
In the pandemic-hit 2020 season, the team recorded six wins to finish second in the World Championship standings and once again took the Top Independent Team title, while Franco Morbidelli emerged as Vice Champion (second). – Bernama
