29 July 2010, BY Sepang International Circuits
PETRONAS Syntium Team, which scored a sensational 1-2 at last year’s 10th edition of the Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race (MMER), will be back to defend its crown in Sepang next weekend.
“2010 will see the team return with a line-up of two BMW Z4M Coupes to compete in the revamped GT-class. Hoping to build on their impressive form at the 2010 Super Taikyu Endurance series that has seen the team chalk four race wins out of the four rounds contested so far, the team will sport the competition numbers 1 and 28,” the team announced in a statement released here today.
Featuring the unique combination of experience and youth in its pool of drivers, the team’s challenge this year will be spearheaded by 27-year old Malaysian Fariqe Hairuman, who will be joined by young Malaysian Melvin Moh Chun-Ho in his first appearance at the MME. Completing the line-up in the team’s No. 1 BMW Z4M Coupe is experienced Japanese driver Tatsuya Kataoka.
Making their third appearance at the MMER, Japanese duo Masataka Yanagida and Nobuteru Taniguchi will be piloting the sister No. 28 BMW Z4M Coupe. The duo will this year be joined by the another young Malaysian rookie driver, Imran Zaharias Shaharom.
To be held at Sepang Circuit from August 5 to 8, 2010 marked the 11th edition of a revamped MMER, which would feature the new Super GT class, Sports Production and Touring Production classes; replacing last year’s categories – the open class, A1 Class and A2 Class.
The 2010 event looked set to be the most competitive ever; having attracted plenty of big names in motor racing including winners of the prestigious 24 Hours LeMans Race with the likes of Frank Biela, Marco Werner, Peter Kox, Christopher Haase, Daryl O’Young, Matthew Marsh, Dominik Farnbacher and Malaysia’s former F1 driver Alex Yoong as well as Fairuz Fauzy, the Lotus F1 Racing test driver.
Commenting on their participation, team principal David Wong said the team was looking forward to the race; adding that it would be a challenging one; given the high level of participation for this year’s 11th edition of the MMER.
“Coming back to compete on our home soil at the country’s largest motoring event is always a welcomed and special occasion for the team. Although the 2010 edition will again see a revised format, the quality of the participants will definitely add to the level of competition we will be up against. Having established itself as great platform for teams from Malaysia and the region to showcase their craft, we can definitely look forward to a great race!
“This year, we are returning to take on the challenge in the new GT-Class with the two BMW Z4M Coupes. Looking at the level of competition in the class, it will be difficult to expect a repeat of the fantastic feat we achieved here last year. Notwithstanding, everyone on the team has been working hard preparing for this race and we are optimistic that we can be competitive.
“As for drivers, we will be returning with the same driver line-up for our campaign in the Super Taikyu Endurance Series. The No. 1 BMW Z4M Coupe will feature the trio of Tatsuya Kataoka, Fariqe Hairuman and Melvin Moh, while the No. 28 car will see the current STES leaders Nobuteru Taniguchi, Masataka Yanagida and Imran Zaharias Shaharom. For the two youngest members of our squad, Melvin and Imran, though this will be their very first MME in our colours, I am confident of what they can achieve,” David said.
Like David, Fariqe is also happy to be back; describing the MMER as a very special event for him.
“Being back for the ‘home’ race is always very special for me. Although 2010 will see me take part in the MMER for the 9th time, what makes it so distinctive is the fact that no two events are ever the same as the atmosphere at the MMER changes every year. Last year was a truly memorable MMER for the team, having achieved a historic target of a 1-2 finish.
“This year, the organisers have introduced a brand new format and with the addition of new competitors will make the race even more challenging and definitely more interesting. Coming off what is a strong start to our season in Japan, I am hopeful that we will be able to carry the same momentum into the MMER,” Fariqe said.
In his comments, Melvin said: “I am really looking forward to this race as this is my very first MMER with the PETRONAS Syntium Team. Being our home race it also makes for a very special occasion. I am proud to be able to fly the team’s colours here, in front of our home crowd.
“Of course there is also a lot of pressure coming back as the defending champions and for a repeat performance. For me, I prefer not to see it that way but rather take this in my stride, take the cue from my more experienced teammates and use every opportunity that comes my way to learn as much as I can,” Melvin added.
Expecting an even stiffer competition this year, Kataoka said: “Although I have come to Sepang many times with the GT races, the MME race always presents something very different every year. Personally, I enjoy racing at Sepang a lot. For a driver, the track has a little bit of everything – a good mix of fast and slow corners. It is a high speed circuit and I particularly like the double S's, turns 7 and 8 before the hairpin.
“This year will make it my third visit to the MME and I am really looking forward to racing at the team partners’ PETRONAS’ home race. I am also quite sure we can expect it to be more difficult and more challenging. So I am really looking forward to the MME race!” he added.
His views were shared by compatriot Yanagida, who described Sepang as one of his favourite track.
“For Kataoka, Taniguchi and me, the Sepang circuit is a track that we are very familiar with because of the GT races held here. For me, it definitely ranks as one of my favourites after Suzuka. Technically, it is challenging especially in the S’s, turns 5 and 6 as well as turns 12 and 13 before the back-straight.
“When you add to ‘MME’ element of being a long 12 hours race to it, the race presents quite a different challenge. Last year, we had our very best result with the 1-2 finish. This year with the changes in the format and new competition, I am really looking forward to this race!” he added
Imran Zaharias is equally enthusiastic in being part of the great event.
“To be here at the team and our partner PETRONAS’ home race is an especially proud moment for me. This is undoubtedly one of the most unique races, not just because it is a 12-hours race but because it has a different feeling to the races we have in Japan. The level of competition and environment is totally different and special. I am really looking forward to it as I hope I can learn as much as possible from this experience,” added Imran.
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