SEPANG – Motorcyclists without valid event access will be prohibited from entering the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) area during this weekend’s Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, as part of a new traffic management strategy aimed at easing congestion around the circuit.
SIC Chief Executive Officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the measure was introduced in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) following years of severe traffic congestion during major motorsport events.
According to Azhan, unrestricted access for different types of vehicles since SIC began operations 27 years ago had contributed significantly to traffic bottlenecks both entering and leaving the circuit.
He said the latest strategy would restrict access to private vehicles while specifically prohibiting members of the public from entering the circuit on motorcycles, allowing enforcement personnel to manage traffic more effectively.
“From 1999 until now, we have not been very strategic in terms of traffic control as we allowed all vehicles to enter, resulting in heavy traffic flow and congestion in and out of the circuit,” he said during a media conference.
Only vehicles displaying valid parking stickers or passes will be permitted through designated checkpoints and into the circuit’s parking areas.
Fans without parking passes are encouraged to use public transport, e-hailing services or the free shuttle bus services operating throughout the race weekend.
145 Free Shuttle Buses to Support Race Weekend
A total of 115 free shuttle buses will operate from four external locations in collaboration with Rapid KL:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2
- KLIA Long-Term Car Park (LTCP)
- Mitsui Outlet Park
- Bandar Enstek
In addition, SIC will provide 30 free internal shuttle buses, operating continuously from 7am to midnight to transport visitors around the circuit.
Meanwhile, KLIA Police Chief ACP M. Ravi said strict screening roadblocks and traffic diversions would be implemented at eight checkpoints from Friday morning.
Around 700 personnel from the Selangor Police Contingent will be deployed to manage traffic and conduct patrols around the circuit throughout the event.
Ravi also stressed that access to all areas within SIC requires a valid event ticket.
Visitors without an event ticket or valid vehicle parking sticker will not be permitted to enter the circuit and will be turned away at the checkpoints.
With the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators, authorities are urging fans to plan their journey in advance and make full use of the available public transport and shuttle services.
For motorists heading to SIC, the message is clear: having a vehicle alone will not guarantee entry — a valid parking pass is required.
