Sepand (Malaysia), March 30 (IANS): Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has said the country's Sepang International Circuit will host the Formula-1 Malaysian Grand Prix for another three years until 2018.

"After negotiations with Formula One management, we have succeeded in procuring the extension until 2018," he made the announcement here after giving the winning trophy to Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel on Sunday, reports Xinhua.

Malaysian state-owned oil company Petroleum Nasional Berhad (Petronas), which has been supporting the race in Malaysia since it was first held in 1999, will continue to be the title sponsor of the event for the next three years.

Najib said they needed to promote the event further to gain not only international spectators, but also Malaysian fans as well.

"Other agencies and ministries including Tourism Malaysia must work together to make this an important event in the tourism calendar," he added.