SIC Racing team principal Razlan Razali has announced he is to depart from his role as CEO for the Sepang International Circuit to focus on the race team.
The Sepang International Circuit squad – owned by the Malaysian grand prix venue – runs across all three top-level GP classes, making its debut in the premier class with Franco Morbidelli and rookie Fabio Quartararo last year.
Razali twinned his role as team boss with continuing to run the day-to-day operations at the Sepang circuit, but has now decided to step back from running the venue to focus on the ongoing running of the race team.
His replacement has been announced as Azhan Shafriman Hanif, who prior to his Sepang appointment was the Head of Strategic Alliance for SIC Racing title sponsor Petronas.
“By taking on the role of Team Principal of the Sepang Racing Team full-time, I will be able to focus 100% on my responsibilities,” said Razali.
“I look forward to strengthening activation and engagement with Partners, attracting new companies to join us, improving the team’s function as a platform for Malaysians to compete in the MotoGP, and also strengthening the team’s corporate governance.
“Being CEO of SIC was already living a dream; managing a World Championship team is even more amazing.
“I will not waste this opportunity to make Malaysia proud, to see Malaysians do well in our team and uplift the name of Malaysia around the world, flying the Jalur Gemilang high as ambassadors for Malaysia in two-wheel motor racing.”
Razali led the SIC team – which took over official Yamaha satellite status to replace the outgoing Tech 3 outfit – to an impressive seven podium finishes and six pole positions – all with Quartararo – last year, the squad being rewarded with a pair of factory-spec M1 machines for this season as a result.
John McPhee scored the first rostrum of the year for the team in the Moto3 season opener at Qatar by finishing second to Albert Arenas, while both of the outfits Moto2 entrants Xavi Vierge and Jake Dixon bagged points.
The MotoGP season opener meanwhile was cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic, with the season still yet to get underway.
