2017 to be final year for Malaysian Grand Prix

The Malaysian Grand Prix has ended its deal to host a Formula 1 race early, with the 2017 edition set to be the last before it drops off the calendar.

Although the contract was due to end in 2018, this year's race will now be the final event held at the Sepang International Circuit after an agreement was reached by the race organizers and Formula 1. Having debuted in 1999, the Malaysian Grand Prix has held slots at both the start and end of the calendar at different times over the past 18 years but had been questioning its future amid low attendances.

The Malaysian prime minister, Najib Razak, confirmed: "The Cabinet has agreed to end the contract after considering lowering returns to the country compared to the cost of hosting the championships."

The new managing director of F1's commercial operations, Sean Bratches, says the loss of the race will allow the sport's new owners to continue with its plan of tweaking the calendar in the near future.

"It's always sad to say goodbye to a member of the Formula 1 family," Bratches said. "Over nearly two decades, the Malaysian Formula 1 fans have proven themselves to be some of the sport's most passionate supporters.

"As we said in Melbourne, we have big plans for bringing our global fan base closer to the sport than ever before, providing an enhanced digital experience and creating new events. We're looking forward to talking more about these plans as the season progresses.

"We will have 21 exciting events to look forward to in the 2018 calendar, with the additions of the French and German races. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the Sepang International Circuit for their hospitality and professionalism over the years, and their ongoing commitment to motorsport."

France returns to the calendar next year for the first time since 2008, with the race to be held at Paul Ricard, while the German Grand Prix will be run at Hockenheim where it has been held on alternate years in recent seasons.

The final Malaysian Grand Prix will take place on Oct. 1.