PETRONAS COMMEMORATES 10 YEARS IN FORMULA 1, KICKS OFF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR 2005 MALAYSIAN FORMULA 1 GP
PETRONAS first entered into the world of Formula 1 in 1995 in search of a powerful platform that would enhance and position its brand name globally to support its expansion into the increasingly competitive international oil and gas business.
The initial association with Formula 1 gave PETRONAS an unprecedented international exposure, enhancing the confidence of would-be investors and business partners and opened doors to worldwide business opportunities. In 1995, five years after it first embarked on its international expansion programme, PETRONAS had business interests in nine countries. Ten years later in 2005, PETRONAS operates in 35 countries.
In 1999, PETRONAS secured the title sponsorship rights for the Formula 1 Grand Prix to be held in Malaysia, further promoting its brand and putting Malaysia on the world map as a new venue for motor sports in the region, boosting the country’s image as well as its tourism and hospitality industry.
For PETRONAS, Formula 1 also presented an opportunity for relevant technology acquisition and capability development, not just for the enhancement of its business performance but also for the benefit of Malaysia. Through its involvement in the sport, PETRONAS has successfully developed Malaysia’s first automotive engine as well as Malaysia’s first super bike. The E01e car engine, which has achieved the Euro III emission standard, is being further tested for commercial production. Limited edition units of the super bike, the PETRONAS FP1, are now available for sale worldwide.
The association with Formula 1 has also boosted PETRONAS’ products’ R&D capability, especially in fuels and lubricants development. Its Primax fuel as well as Syntium lubricants have been acknowledged and certified by renowned car manufacturers and international standards organisations. The SAUBER PETRONAS Formula 1 cars use specially formulated Primax and Syntium. PETRONAS has also formulated an extensive range of engine oils that have exceeded international standards requirements.
PETRONAS’ participation in Formula 1 has also helped nurture a core group of Malaysian automotive engineers which is very much in line with its commitment towards developing human resources and technological capabilities that will form an essential foundation for Malaysia to a achieve a fully developed and industrialised country status. Some of these engineers are working for the SAUBER PETRONAS Formula 1 team and Sauber PETRONAS Engineering Ag in Switzerland.
PETRONAS is also using Formula 1 as a vehicle to inspire Malaysians, especially the younger generations, to be forward thinking, progressive, technologically savvy and disciplined to assist in the future development of the country. Through various promotional and community relation activities undertaken during the PETRONAS Malaysian Formula 1 season and throughout the year since 1999, PETRONAS has managed to bring the once exclusive and distant sport closer to all Malaysians.
In commemoration of its 10 years’ involvement in Formula 1, PETRONAS once again is organising a series of promotional activities that will commence tomorrow. These include the much-anticipated annual Formula 1 Demo, to be held in Kuala Lumpur, a special exhibition in Galeri PETRONAS and numerous community relation and student activities that will take place leading up to the 2005 PETRONAS Malaysian Formula 1 GP on 18 to 20 March.
Issued by
Media Relations & Information Department
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