17 March 2008, BY Sepang International Circuit
Exactly a week before the F1 race at Sepang F1 Circuit, the winners' trophy was officially hand over today to race organizer, Sepang International Circuit as the FI excitement reaches hits feverish level and the nation waits in suspense and thrill for the 10th edition of the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix.
Receiving the trophy, SIC General Manager Datuk Azmi Murad, who is also the event director for the 2008 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, commended Royal Selangor for what he described as "having crafted a true masterpiece fitting the world class event".
"Indeed, we have been privileged to be working with Royal Selangor in providing the trophies for the F1 races in Malaysia. Their standard of work has always been world class and majestic; and true to its name," said Azmi, who received the trophy from Royal Selangor General Manager Yong Yoon Li at the F1 Roadshow at Sunway Pyramid.
Royal Selangor is certainly no stranger to accolades and unlike its more glamorous cousins such as gold or silver, pewter has been elevated to a branded status around the world thanks to Royal Selangor.
"I believe, this year, the podium finishers and the winning constructor of the 2008 race in Sepang this Sunday will take home a sleek, exquisite and undeniably stylish design in commemoration of the 10th edition of the Petronas Malaysian GP," said Azmi, who thanked Royal Selangor for their support that traced back to the inaugural race in 1999.
Azmi said : "On the same note, SIC would also like to record our highest appreciation to all our partners especially Tourism Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Petronas, RTM, Telekom Malaysia, Celcom, Naza Group of Companies, Proton and all our other partners for making Malaysia's F1 project an immense success.
"As we have repeated many times over the years, F1 is not about SIC, but Malaysia as a nation. It's a Malaysian project and I am happy that Malaysians have fully supported the event. They are the reason for the F1 success in Malaysia," he added.
Azmi, who is also Senior General Manager of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, said that preparations for the 2008 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix had been comprehensive and they had started immediately after the conclusion of last year's race in April.
"The true test, however, starts tomorrow when the race officials and teams start arriving from Melbourne. But, everything is all ready at the track and the team is all set to deliver the best ever Malaysian GP," he said.
The new 2008 season opened with the Australian Grand Prix race, which was held today at Albert Park, Melbourne. Sepang will host the second round this weekend from March 21 to 23; and SIC is targeting a record attendance of 125,000 spectators for the race.
The 2008 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix would witness the most comprehensive race schedule with four support races - the Speedcar Series, GP2 Asia Series, Formula BMW Pacific and Porsche Carrera Cup Asia joining the F1 race in the programme.
McLaren's Fernando Alonso took the winner's trophy last year with team-mate Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen completing the podium in second and third placing respectively. As race winner, McLaren also took home the Constructor's trophy.
Experts have named defending champion Kimi Raikkonen and rival Lewis Hamilton as top contenders for the championship; but Azmi insisted that anything can happen in Formula One especially for this upcoming race in
Sepang.
"It will be difficult to predict the winner; but one thing for sure, it's going to be a very exciting race. Sepang has always been an exciting race for the fans," added Azmi.
Tickets are priced as low as RM100 and they can be purchased via internet at www.malaysiangp.com.my or by calling TICKET HOTLINE at 603 8778 2222.
F1 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix Winners
2007 Fernando Alonso (McLaren Mercedes)
2006 Giancarlo Fisichella (Renault)
2005 Fernando Alonso (Renault)
2004 Michael Schumacher (Scuderia Ferrari)
2003 Kimi Raikkonen (McLaren Mercedes)
2002 Ralf Schumacher (Williams)
2001 Michael Schumacher (Scuderia Ferrari)
2000 Michael Schumacher (Scuderia Ferrari)
1999 Eddie Irvine (Scuderia Ferrari)
For details, contact the Press Officer Azhar Ghazali at 019-3837865.
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