1-3 November, 2024
Petronas Sepang International Circuit
PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia 2024
The PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix 2024 delivered all the excitement fans expected, bringing together the world’s top riders and setting up a thrilling showdown for the final championship race in Barcelona.
Held from 1-3 November, the event marked the 25th anniversary of the PETRONAS Grand Prix at the renowned Sepang International Circuit (SIC), with over 182,000 fans in attendance. The weekend was packed with intense battles, record-breaking speeds, Ducati dominance, and even a special appearance by Malaysia’s own ex-MotoGP star, Hafizh Syahrin, who returned to connect with fans as Oakley’s brand ambassador.
Although the weekend’s atmosphere was subdued following the recent natural disaster in Valencia, Spain, the trackside action at Sepang was anything but quiet. All eyes were on Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati Lenovo Team and Jorge Martin of Prima Pramac Racing, both of whom were neck-and-neck in the championship standings.
The two top contenders clashed early in the 10-lap sprint race on Saturday, with Martin seeking victory to edge ahead in the championship. As they battled, Bagnaia’s slip in Sepang’s notorious uphill Turn 9 gave Martin an unexpected lead, bringing him closer to claiming the world championship. Going into Sunday, Martin led the standings, setting the stage for a fierce contest with Bagnaia, who took pole position for the main event.
The race day action was a thrilling showdown between Bagnaia and Martin, with Marc Marquez keeping the pressure from behind. Ultimately, Bagnaia reclaimed his lead, crossing the finish line first, with Martin and Enea Bastianini completing a Ducati 1-2-3 finish. With his second-place finish, Martin now leads the standings with 485 points, closely followed by Bagnaia with 461 points. The final race in Barcelona, taking place from 15-17 November, will determine this season’s world champion.
Adding to the excitement, Malaysia’s ex-MotoGP rider Hafizh Syahrin made a special appearance at Sepang as Oakley’s brand ambassador. Fans enjoyed an exclusive meet-and-greet session where they had the chance to snap selfies with Hafizh and get his autograph.
Celebrating its partnership with MotoGP, Oakley also set up a booth at Sepang, showcasing a unique MotoGP collection featuring exclusive sunglasses, including a special collaboration with Marc Marquez. The Oakley booth quickly became a fan favourite, offering a touch of MotoGP glamour and stylish, performance-driven eyewear inspired by the high-speed thrills of the sport.
Featured image: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
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