KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 — In encouraging more fans to seize the opportunity to watch the Formula One (F1) race live, Sepang International Circuit (SIC) offers the Malaysia F1 Grand Prix tickets at unprecedented prices starting today until the race on Sept 29 to Oct 1.

"Thus, we are offering the lowest ticket prices yet, plus further special discounts for Malaysians to thank them for their support over the years. SIC is offering flat rates for the Main Grandstands, discounts for MyKad holders and significantly lower ticket prices at other areas.

"In the past years, maintaining strong spectator numbers had sometimes been a challenge, so we hope this new pricing structure will enable all fans to watch the race live from the circuit,” said its Chief Executive Officer Datuk Razlan Razali in a statement today.

As in 2016, this year's race is scheduled closer to the end of the season as the 15th race in a 20-race calendar, right after the Singapore Grand Prix.

The race has been a pride for the nation since it was first held in 1999, helping to cement Malaysia's reputation as a venue for top international sporting events and tourism destination.

According to the statement, the standard ticket prices for the 2017 Malaysia F1 Grand Prix range from RM58.68 for a Hillstand K2 ticket to RM613.68 for a Main Grandstand ticket making this the most affordable F1 race in the world.

It will be free seating with no numbered seating on a first-come-first-served basis at the Main Grandstand, F Grandstand and K1 Grandstand areas which enable spectators to move about within the respective grandstand areas during race weekend.

For the first time ever, Malaysians will get to enjoy a flat rate price at the Main Grandstand for only RM336.18 and the F Grandstand and K1 Grandstand are priced at RM169.68 and RM225.18 respectively.

Tickets for children aged 12 and below are available at 50 per cent off the corresponding adult ticket prices, while children below seven years old may enter for free, but they will not be allocated a seat without a ticket.

Meanwhile, all fans with disabilities can purchase special tickets for the Main Grandstand seating at RM308.43.

The new Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing Team Tribune packages with numbered seating are also available at RM1,335.18 and all tribune ticket holders will also receive special team's merchandise.

The Mercedes and Red Bull tribune seating areas are located in the Crystal seating zone, while the Ferrari tribune is located in the Jade seating zone which provides the best view of the action happening at the team pits.

Fans can purchase their tickets online at www.sepangcircuit.com; walk in to the Customer Service Centre at SIC or call SIC's ticket hotline at 03-87782222. — Bernama