Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak announced that Malaysia will participate in the FIA Formula One world championship through its own racing team - 1Malaysia F1 Team, starting from 2010.Datuk Seri Najib said in Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday, that the Formula One federation (FIA) has accepted Malaysia's bid to enter the 2010 and future championships.
The Prime Minister added that the 1Malaysia F1 team was a government and private initiative, combining the collaborative experience of Proton and Lotus.
He said the team was supported by world-class expertise, and backed by the Sepang international circuit, Motorsports Association of Malaysia as well as Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM).
The Malaysian F1 team will be based at the Sepang circuit with pit stop staff coming from Malaysia.
"It will be a Malaysia manufactured car," said a proud Datuk Seri Najib, adding that a race to find a suitable Malaysian driver was underway.
According to Malaysiakini, a statement issued during the press release stated that the team will reveal its two drivers by Oct 31. At present, six local and international drivers have been shortlisted for evaluation.
The Prime Minister was also asked on the reason to join the F1 race at the present situation where the global economic outlook was not too good.
To this, Najib said the project was a private initiative and will expose Proton and Lotus to the world stage.
"It will make sure our brands are stronger and recognised by the world. The government's participation in the project was via Proton."
He also refused to reveal the amount of investment put into the project, passing the ball instead to the private parties to reveal the figure.
The companies involved in this initiative include Proton, Air Asia and Naza Motors.
Proton Holdings Bhd chairperson Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh said the project was still at an early stage and as such was unable to reveal the total investment involved and the shareholding structures.
Pardonme for making a comment in here. I amno Journalist nor am I a big name in Malaysian sports.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I see this is ONE BIG BAD MOVE, bythe PM and/or Country, if taken as announced.
I guess one of the plan i the buying over of the BMW-Sauber-Petronas Team, since BMW wants out of the 2010 season.
OK....what engine to use,once the decision is taken???? Lotus/Proton?????? Plese lah dun make me laff!
The F1 game is just out of our league. Remember the big mess on the Alexander Yoong/Minardi Fiasco?
The game takes BIG MONEY of which the PM better think long nad far, and spend it wisely towars the further development Malaysia. The PM MUST REMEMBER his Vows.....1Malaysia....PEOPLE FIRST....PERFORMANCE NOW!
With due respect to the PM, this buying/setting up of the 1Malaysia F1 team, will throw hisvows to the wind and WILL go down and remembered by all Malayian, as one of the biggest BLUNDERS by the PM Mohammad Najib bin Abdul Razak.
Just my two sen worth!