SEPANG International Circuit's (SIC) announcement of a price hike, which has caused a stir among the public, is seen as a necessary move by the stakeholders.
Motoring experts, company representatives and track organisers, who have declined to be named, have weighed in on the matter and they deem the move as reasonable for numerous reasons.
Their main argument is that the hike is the first in nearly a decade, which they feel is long overdue given the rising costs.
The last rental price increase was in 2013 and the general expectation is that this will lead to improvements in the facilities and services.
They argue that the improvement may also help to attract more quality events to SIC in the future.
One could view SIC's Formula 1 status as both a blessing and a curse. It would be better to have a well-maintained facility than one that is poorly managed and could bring shame to the country's reputation.
They agree that local grassroots fans of motorsports will be impacted by the price hike.
But on the other hand, a well-maintained SIC can potentially bring in big returns by attracting more overseas visitors as well as corporate clients.
For example, Singapore clients have booked the track for more than 200 days.
Ultimately, motorsports is a niche sport and has never been a cheap activity.
The New Straits Times confirmed last week the SIC management was raising rental rates for the circuit.
The proposed hike, which could go as high as 45 per cent depending on the session, would come into effect on April 1.
SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said the price increase was to ensure that the FIA "grade one" circuit continued to operate under the "highest standards".
The price hike was previously expected to be introduced in early January last year.
However, Shafriman held off on the move, although he insisted that the increase was "inevitable" due to rising operational and maintenance costs.
"As part of SIC's commitment to maintaining the highest standards in facilities and services, we have announced an adjustment to our track and facility rental pricing that will take effect on 1 April," said Shafriman.
"This decision is vital for us to uphold the quality of our facilities, enhance services and facilitate ongoing improvements that will contribute to a better customer experience."
SIC has distributed the revised rate card to its clients.
The circuit is well known for hosting the annual Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia (MotoGP) as well as Formula One races in the past but is said to mainly earn its income from track and facility rentals.
"This advance notice was to ensure transparency and allow ample time for all clients and stakeholders to make necessary preparations.
"Rest assured, that we are fully committed to facilitating a smooth transition for our clients and stakeholders," he said.
Under the new price structure, the rental rate on weekdays for day sessions will rise 27 per cent to RM70,000 from RM55,000 while weekend rates jump 32 per cent to RM80,000 from RM60,500 previously.
The rate for night sessions on weekdays will increase 41 per cent to RM78,000 from RM55,000 while it's a 45 per cent hike to RM88,000 from RM60,500 on weekends.
Prices are inclusive of the required technical and medical officials, including ambulance and fire car, cleaners and security personnel, and access to the relevant facilities.