MotoGP fans will have the opportunity to meet their racing idols face-to-face at the 2008 Polini Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit this Saturday (October 18) in a special meet-the-riders and autograph session jointly organized by event organiser Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and Dorna, the worldwide rights holder for the MotoGP world series.
“Yes, you will be meeting all the MotoGP riders and yes, you can expect a huge crowd; based on our experience last year. My advice will be for fans to come very, very clear as Dorna has only allocated 30 minutes due to time constraint,” said Ismadi Ishak, project manager for the 2008 Polini Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
To be held on a special stage within the Mall Area, the session effectively could only be accessed by those who had purchased the Main Grandstand tickets which are priced at RM80 each for entry throughout the three-day event.
The session on Saturday would be divided into two segments with the first segment between 12 noon to 12.15pm to feature the newly crowned MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Colin Edwards, James Toseland, Tony Elías, Sylvain Guintoli, John Hopkins, Anthony West and Randy de Puniet.
“The second segment would be from 12.15pm to 12.30pm and featuring 2007 champion Casey Stoner, Marco Melandri, Loris Capirossi, Chris Vermeulen, Dani Pedrosa, Nicky Hayden, Shinya Nakano, Alex de Angelis and Andrea Dovizioso,” said Ismadi, adding that there would be no preference for fans.
“It will be conducted on the basis on first-come-first basis and I guess fans would need to queue early to ensure that they would get the opportunity to meet and shake hands with their idols. I hope all racing fans could be there to meet the stars. I know that I would not want to miss this opportunity to meet all the MotoGP riders close and personal,” added Ismadi, who is SIC Sales Manager.
On-track, Saturday would also feature the final qualifying session for the GP 125cc, GP250cc and MotoGP riders as well as the first race for the support races – the Malaysian Super Series Superbike Championship, Supersport Championship, 135cc Production Bike Championship, Kawasaki Cup and the NAZA Bikerz Mag Cup.
“Although both the GP 125cc and MotoGP classes had already crowned their champions, the battle for second place and other top places remains very much open. And, of course, there is the pride of winning and doing it in Sepang.
“The battle for the 250cc world crown is still an open affair though Marco Simoncelli can seal it in Sepang if his two rivals Alvaro Bautista and Mika Kallio failed to get their desired results. Everything points to a grand battle at Sepang for all the three classes and the support races as well. If Simoncelli wins this Sunday, there should be a great celebration for all to witness,” said Ismadi.
While Rossi secured his fifth MotoGP crown and eighth world title two rounds ago at the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi, Frenchman Mike De Meglio sealed his first ever 125cc world title at the just concluded Australian Grand Prix in Phillip Island on October 5.
Simoncelli and Bautista provided a dramatic battle in the 250cc in Phillip Island before the Italian scored a marginal win to enhance his position at the top of the world standings with 240 points; opening a 37-point advantage of Bautista with two more rounds to go. While Bautista has 203 points, Kallio has hauled a total of 191 points and would need both Simoncelli and Bautista failing to score any points to take his battle to the final round in Valencia.
Apart from the meet-the-MotoGP riders sessions on Saturday, fans at the Mall Area would be treated to a special stunt demonstration by world renowned Humberto Rubeiro and loads on entertainment including a special appearance by Malaysia’s top comedian Nabil.
“Humberto and Nabil’s performances are actually for all three days at the Mall Area. So, I guess you would want to come on all three days to enjoy this great MotoGP experience in Sepang,” said Ismadi, adding that entry into the Main Grandstand for Friday (October 17) is free.
Tickets can be purchased at the circuit or at SIC ticket counter in KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur or the LCCT in KLIA. Tickets can also be purchased by calling TICKET HOTLINE at 03-87782222.
