KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should nurture its own motor racing champions of the future, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said yesterday. 

The Prime Minister said a few Malaysians had already made their mark in events like the A1 GP and the Formula BMW Asia Series. “I believe that there are many young talents here in Malaysia. 

“If Malaysians are capable of becoming champions in squash, bowling and badminton, I see no reason why we should not excel in motorsports as well,” the Prime Minister said at the launch of the 2008 Petronas Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix at the Suria KLCC here last night. 

Intrigued: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi looking at the inside of an F1 car after launching the 2008 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix at the KLCC as Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir (third left) and other officials look on.

Abdullah said it was interesting to note that the Formula One championship has continued to move away from established European race tracks to new state-of-the-art circuits in Asia and the Middle East. 

He was pleased with Malaysia’s success in hosting the Formula One race at the Sepang F1 Circuit. 

“Indeed, Malaysia’s accomplishment has inspired other Asian nations to secure rights to hold their own F1 championships. 

“Our success has proved that Asia is capable of organising races for the world’s most prestigious motor racing championship,” he said. 

He urged Petronas and the Malaysian GP promoter, Sepang International Circuit (SIC), to continue being key players in motor racing in the region. 

Abdullah said Formula One races were now being held in Bahrain and China while Singapore will soon join the club when it hosts its inaugural race in September. 

“As our closest neighbour and partner in Asean, Malaysia welcomes Singapore to this privileged group of hosts for F1 races,” he added. 

He praised the Sepang F1 Circuit’s contribution in the development of state-of-the-art facilities and safety standards. 

“Officials from Shanghai, Bahrain and other countries have utilised the Malaysian circuit to map the construction plan of their respective race courses. 

“While we should take pride in some of our achievements, it’s important that we continue to push forward. I would like to call upon Petronas, SIC and all relevant parties to strive for excellence in making the 10th edition of the Malaysian GP a ‘perfect ten’ affair,” he said. 

First held in 1999, this year’s Malaysian Grand Prix will be held from March 21-23.  

The new F1 season will begin with the Australian GP in Melbourne on March 13-16.

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