Last Malaysian GP is this year now!

[Robem64]

Some early morning news - this year's Malaysian Grand Prix will be the last after 19 years on the calendar.

“It’s always sad to say goodbye to a member of the Formula 1 family,” said Sean Bratches, managing director of Formula 1 commercial operations. “Over nearly two decades, the Malaysian Formula 1 fans have proven themselves to be some of the sport’s most passionate supporters.

“We will have 21 exciting events to look forward to in the 2018 calendar, with the additions of the French and German races."

[Andy B]

I very nearly left this years race to go to the last year in 2018 which is what they originally said so am pleased I have my ticket for this year. It seems they have struggled to get the local populace involved but it looks like the Moto GP is to continue maybe due to the popularity of motorcycles in Malaysia.

[Robem64]

Well this has caught me out, Andy. I went last year and loved it. Going to some different ones this year but had pencilled a return to Malaysia for 2018. Guess I can scrub that from the diary now - I'm surprised Petronas haven't done more to cover the shortfall as they've now lost their "home" Grand Prix.

[cosworth151]

I'm sad to see it go. Not the best race of the season but far from the worst. I wonder if this was something left over from Bernie or if the new powers-that-be pulled the plug.

That said, it'll be good to have Germany & France back.

[Irisado]

The Malaysian circuit is one of the few challenging and interesting 'new' tracks, so I'm very disappointed to see its removal from the calendar.  It is great to have France and Germany both back on the calendar, but there are other newer circuits which should, in my view, have been dropped to make way for them.

[Andy B]

I wonder if this was something left over from Bernie or if the new powers-that-be pulled the plug.

I read about a month ago that 2018 was to be the last race and the circuit owners would not be renewing their contract and reading between the lines its the lack of local support that's missing and if you don't have bums on seats theres no cash flow. Chine seems to be the exception to this as they have completely empty stands but that race is government financed was it Turkey that went to the wall due to lack of support?

[Alianora La Canta]

I wonder if this was something left over from Bernie or if the new powers-that-be pulled the plug.

I read about a month ago that 2018 was to be the last race and the circuit owners would not be renewing their contract and reading between the lines its the lack of local support that's missing and if you don't have bums on seats theres no cash flow. Chine seems to be the exception to this as they have completely empty stands but that race is government financed was it Turkey that went to the wall due to lack of support?

Turkey had government support, but Bernie was running its promotion. Bernie has never been good at promoting Grands Prix, as Belgium will attest (that time when he managed to force F1 to skip the race in 2005).