Despite poor attendance, Malaysia agrees three-year extension to host F1

See the empty grandstand in the background. Plenty more like that on Sunday. Fans despise the sound of the new F1 engines.

Last year they came, they watched, they listened, they found that the thrill of the screaming F1 engines were gone, and they didn't come back. The grandstands were only 1/3 to 1/2 full for Sunday's Malaysian GP and they aren't coming back unless the thrill of the scream returns.

Despite the financial bloodbath the promoter took on the race, the Malaysian Grand Prix will continue to be a feature on the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2018 following an extension to its current contract.

The Sepang International Circuit has played host to F1 since 1999, but there was concern they wouldn't renew their contract which was due to expire this year.

However following Sebastian Vettel's surprise victory on Sunday, Malaysian prime minister YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib confirmed they had agreed a three-year extension.

Title sponsor Petronas, which also sponsors Mercedes, has also signed on for the duration of the new deal.