SIC, Petronas Kick Off F1 Promotion In KLCC

As the world anxiously waits in excitement for the Formula 1 Championship season, promoters of the 2010 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix kicked of their promotion campaign in Kuala Lumpur amidst strong confidence of a large turnout event on 2 to 4 April in Sepang. 

In a joint promotion at the PETRONAS Philharmonic Hall Foyer within the capital’s leading shopping complex Suria KLCC, event organizer and promoter Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and title sponsor PETRONAS also launched the ‘I Love F1’ campaign to generate greater interest and increasing the awareness among Malaysians for the sports and in support of the 1Malaysia campaign in promoting multi-racial harmony and understanding among the people through F1.

“This should be the most exciting season in years in Formula 1 especially from the Malaysian perspective and it is our wish to see everyone in the ‘I Love F1’ t-shirt filling the circuit on race day,” says Razlan Razali, who is SIC Chief Executive Officer and event director for the 2010 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix.
With PETRONAS also being title sponsor of the new Mercedes GP-PETRONAS F1 Team, which effectively is the defending champion Brawn GP, will be the team the world will watch as it sensationally brings back seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher to the racing grid.
With Schumacher’s slick driving skills and the engineering brilliance of Ross Brawn, its supporters are brimming with confidence that the Mercedes GP-PETRONAS will be among the top contenders for the world championship this season.
All the competing teams would go into testing in February as they start preparation for a 19-round championship, which will open in Sakhir at the Bahrain Grand Prix from March 12 to 14. Malaysia will host Round 3 of the world championship at Sepang Circuit from April 2 to 4.

The 2010 race in Sepang will mark the 12th edition of the Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix, which can be traced back to October 1999 which saw Schumacher making a comeback in Sepang after a long lay-off following an accident at the British Grand Prix earlier in July where he broke his right leg.
Also known as the 1Malaysia Racing Team, the Lotus F1 Racing Team is bringing back the highly successful brand back into the F1 world with the backing of top Malaysian corporate companies that included Proton as the owner of Lotus Group, Naza Group and Air Asia.

Most prominent would be the no refueling rule, which will demand bigger fuel tanks and deeper intelligence in preserving fuel. Pitstops, however, remained necessary as teams would be required to use both sets of tires of different compounds. 

The 2010 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix itself would have a change with the 12th edition starting at 4pm instead of 5pm as it had last year. Prior to 2009, the Malaysian race had traditionally started at 3pm; but had been delayed to boost TV viewing in the European sector.

“As to what we organized last year, we will be bringing again the drivers’ autograph session at the track. We will also have entertainment and activities at the Mall Area throughout the event and a big after-race concert. … It will be big this year” said Razlan.


With all these supporting elements, Razlan has expressed confidence that the 2010 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix would draw a capacity crowd and even breaking the 2008 Race Day attendance of over 120,000 trackside spectators.

“Our tickets are priced as low as RM100 and as we did in previous years, we are offering discounts for students and special packages for groups,” said Razlan, adding that purchases of selected tickets between now and January 31 would entitle the buyer a 50 percent discount on a second ticket.

Show your passion for F1 Malaysia and get your ‘I Love F1’ t-shirt and the 2010 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix tickets at all participating outlets.

originally appeared on malaysiangp

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Petronas, Proton ink lubricant deal

KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has been appointed sole lubricant supplier for Proton vehicles in a 10-year agreement that covers all markets Proton cars are sold.

The agreement, which sees the parties share the profit from the lubricant deal, will net Petronas a small increase in its market share of the lubricant business in Malaysia.

“The long-term partnership will allow PLI (Petronas Lubricants International) and Proton to develop and bring to market new innovative solutions in the form of products and services and explore the fullest value and potential that this partnership can bring,’’ said Petronas vice-president, oil business, Md Arif Mahmood.

The deal would see Petronas produce lubricants that are tailor-made for Proton cars and provide lubricants technical service support for Proton’s global network.

Proton Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said in a media briefing that the deal with Petronas would see the national oil company supplying 1.4 million litres of lubricants to Proton annually.

However, that amount was projected to rise to two million litres in two to three years after the agreement kicked off, he said.

He said the lubricants would carry Petronas branding and there was big potential for the sale of lubricants in the after-market business.

Petronas president and CEO Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican said the lubricant market in Malaysia stood at 260 million litres a year and Petronas’ share of that was 21% to 22%.

It has penetrated markets in North America, South America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific.

Meanwhile, Hassan declined comment on the status of his contract, which expires in February, saying it was a decision for the Government to make.

However, Petronas adviser Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad scoffed at a question whether a politician should be appointed to the top position at the national oil corporation.

“Some of the top politicians have been making a mess of our economy,’’ he said. “Do you want them to make a mess of Petronas?’’

originally appeared on: thestar

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Michael Schumacher Signed Up For Mercedes GP For His F1 Return

Michael Schumacher has signed a one year deal with Mercedes. The seven-times Formula One champion made a comeback into Formula one after retirement and will be seen in action in F1in 2010.The news of Schumacher’s return to Formula One racing broke on Tuesday.

According to reports, the 40-year-old German finalized the deal at team's offices in Brackley, England .The champion who earned his titles in association with Benetton and Ferrari, had quit F1 at the end of 2006.

According to media reports, Schumacher will receive 7 million euros .Mercedes, who have taken over champions Brawn, have signed Nico Rosberg as their other driver for 2010.

Schumacher had recently cancelled comeback plans with Ferrari this year as replacement for injured Brazilian Felipe Massa due to recurrence of his neck injury he had encountered in a motorcycle accident.

A move to Mercedes will see his unison with Britain’s Ross Brawn. The technical director had guided Schumacher to his record seven titles and 91 race wins. Schumacher has been working as a consultant for Ferrari since his retirement but the Italian team had made it clear that it was not a binding agreement.

Rosberg, who signed for Mercedes shortly after the season ended, has already warned Schumacher he faces a tough task getting back up to speed with F1 but said he would welcome him as a team-mate.

"It will not be easy for him," Rosberg was quoted in German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung.

"When you stay away from F1 for a long time, it takes time to get used to all the test sessions again. It's not simple.

"I have no idea if it (a comeback) is true or not, but if he did join that would be an absolutely fantastic move."

Mercedes chief executive Nick Fry on Schumacher return had said earlier this month, "I think that just adds another very interesting element. Can a 40 or 41-year-old compete against someone who is 24 years old? In other sports people have proven that they are very capable even at that age."

source: india-server ; bbc uk

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Alex Yoong Shows Disappointment Towards Petronas-Mercedes Deal

Despite being linked with both Sauber and the Malaysian backed Lotus team, Malaysian oil company Petronas has signed as title sponsor for Mercedes for 2010.

The country's first - and so far only - Formula One driver Alex Yoong, who is now head of driver development for Lotus, has expressed his despair at the deal on Twitter.

"Petronas signs with Mercedes GP," he wrote. "Words fail me. Mercedes is a good team, no doubt, but what Lotus is doing is completely ground-breaking and brave and Petronas not seeing that fills me with shame."

The exact length and value of the Petronas deal has not been announced, but team principal Ross Brawn welcomed the news.

"Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm our long-term agreement with Petronas and we look forward to working closely with our new partner in the future," he said.

"Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new Silver Arrows and Petronas livery at the Valencia test in February."

The sponsorship is good news for Mercedes, after German consumer goods company Henkel announced it would not be honouring a deal with the team as it was brokered by an unauthorised member of staff. However, Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug said the contract with Petronas would ensure the team's competitiveness in 2010.

"Within the limits of the new Formula One resource restrictions, the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team will be well positioned to achieve our goals. We will all strive to present efficient success in the future knowing at the same time that the new season, with some fundamental rule changes, will be a particularly challenging one."

source: espnf1

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Petronas ties up with Mercedes in F1, shocking news for Malaysia-backed Lotus

Malaysian oil and gas company Petronas has confirmed a long-term title sponsorship deal with the Mercedes Grand Prix team, just says after saying that it would not be involved in Formula 1 as a team sponsor next season.

Having been associated for over a decade with the Sauber - later BMW - team, Petronas explained last week that it would not continue in F1 as a team sponsor next year but remain only as title sponsor for the Malaysian Grand Prix.

However, Monday's news marks the first large outside funding for the Brackley-based Mercedes, with a concept livery released by the team showing Petronas branding on the front and rear wings of the car which, due to their sizes and visibility to onlookers, are two of the more expensive areas for logo-showing on an F1 car.

"Everyone at Mercedes GP is delighted to confirm our long-term agreement with Petronas and we look forward to working closely with our new partner in the future," commented Mercedes Team Principal Ross Brawn.

"The collaboration of the premium automotive brand Mercedes-Benz and a company as prestigious as Petronas gives our team a fantastic base from which to achieve our ambitions of competing at the top level of Formula 1 and building on the success of 2009, which saw the team achieve the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships.

"Our plans for the new season are progressing well, as is the development of our 2010 challenger, and we look forward to seeing the car run in the new silver arrows and Petronas livery at the Valencia test in February."

The news is likely to come as a particular blow to the newly-formed Lotus team which, under Malaysian ownership and soon to be based at Malaysia's Sepang circuit, was always tipped as the most likely candidate for a Petronas contract.

source: malaysiangp 

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Petronas Will Continue to Sponsor in F1

Petronas says it will continue to be the title sponsor of the Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix which has proven to be an effective platform to promote Malaysia on the global stage.

In a statement issued to Bernama Thursday, the national oil corporation said its participation and investment in Formula One - and in other sports - had always been based and was built on partnerships that provided direct support towards its business expansion, while complementing international branding efforts.

"This requires Petronas to constantly review, evaluate and explore its position and involvement in international motor sports," it said.

"The final race of the 2009 season at Abu Dhabi marks a turning point for Petronas' involvement in Formula One.

Petronas' partnership with the BMW Sauber F1 Team, which is a progression of its earlier relationship with Sauber, has now come to an end following BMW's decision to exit Formula One at the end of the season."

Petronas also said that it was currently evaluating its future options based on similar commercial considerations, with the eventual decision hinging upon the ability of the new partnership in facilitating and generating sustainable business growth for Petronas, particularly in its global operations.

"Petronas' past and current participation in international motor sports has not only built its global brand but has significantly contributed to the growth of i

ts business, in particular, its lubricant and fluids business in several key markets across Asia and Europe."

It has also paved the way for technological and knowledge acquisition relevant to the oil and gas industry, Petronas said.

Lotus, with Malaysian ownership, was touted as a favourite to receive Petronas, and team boss Tony Fernandes confirmed to the New Straits Times newspaper that an approach was made.

"As it is, it looks like an announcement will be made by Petronas in the coming days once it becomes clearer whether that vacancy left by Toyota becomes Sauber's," said a source.

"If Sauber are back in F1 for sure, and it looks a virtual certainty, then Petronas aren't going anywhere

source: bernama , GMM via F1-Live

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The New Malaysian Lotus F1 Team to be Sponsored by Petronas?

The new Malaysian-owned Lotus F1 team is in talks about being sponsored next year by Petronas, the state owned oil company.

Petronas has been a long term sponsor of the BMW-Sauber team, who are being taken over by the mysterious investment group Qadbak but are not guaranteed a place on the 2010 grid.

Lotus boss Tony Fernandes, who is also in charge of the Williams sponsor AirAsia, confirmed the Petronas talks.

"We would love Petronas to sponsor us," he said at the verge of the Singapore grand prix.

It is also rumoured that 2002 Minardi driver and Malaysian Alex Yoong, now 33, has joined the team, but will have a management role rather than a driving one.

source: worldcarfans.com

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Malaysian-led Consortium To Form a Malaysian Formula One Team?

AirAsia founder and CEO Datuk Tony Fernandes is said to be part of a Malaysian-led consortium eager to bid for a spot on the grid.

While AirAsia is currently serving its three-year contract with AT&T Williams, Fernandes is said to be acting on his own capacity this time around. Sepang International Circuit chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir’s name has been said to be part of the consortium as well.

Petronas and Fernandes are apparently joining forces to form a team led by several former Lotus personnel. Oddly, the team will be based out of Singapore.

“This whole situation is very strange and complex now. I don’t understand why would they (Malaysians) want to do this outside Malaysia. And in Singapore? This would surely anger some people,” an F1 insider based in Europe said.

The team could find it difficult to get a slot in the series with such a short time frame. None are willing to comment on the matter, stressing on the “sensitivity involved”.

Talks have it that the Malaysian consortium has the ‛blessings’ from the government and that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is expected to make an announcement on the matter. None are willing to take the limelight over the said announcement.

Among the names bandied about in the pit lane to help the Malaysian project include former Ferrari Global Brand Development director Dany Bahar and former F1 technical director Mike Gascoyne.

Bahar is now the CEO of Lotus while Gascoyne is with MGI Ltd. MGI are working closely with Litespeed GP who are interested in joining the series under ‛Team Lotus’.

Petronas could be starring at a new team next season after BMW Sauber decided to pull out from F1. Founder Peter Sauber, who holds a minority stake in the team, blasted BMW’s decision to pull out and is now trying to set up a Hinwil-based team possibly powered by a Ferrari engine.

Top officials in Petronas are close to Sauber and many are not surprised if Petronas will support Sauber’s move. Also, many have not ruled out the possibility of Sauber, Petronas and even the Malaysian-led consortium working together for a common cause.

source: mmail.com.my

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Petronas Respects the Decision Made by BMW

The premium partner of BMW Sauber Formula One (F1) team, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) said it fully respects the decision made by the BMW Group to pull out of the F1 championship at the end of this season.

The national oil company said its involvement in F1 with the BMW Sauber F1 Team had elevated Petronas' brand positioning around the world and resulted in significant acquisition of knowledge and expertise in technology, as well, as product development.

"Petronas' involvement in F1 with the BMW Sauber F1 Team has been that of a strategic partnership, to complement the company's branding and business marketing objectives through the areas of premium branding efforts," it said in a statement here today.

The statement was in response to BMW's decision to discontinue its participation in the championship as the company felt that the significant F1 budget could be used in other areas.

BMW, however, said it would remain involved in other forms of motorsports.

BMW's withdrawal followed Japanese car maker Honda's decision to pull out ahead of the 2009 season

source:

bernama.com

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