Philippine Sports News and Updates

Malaysia here we come! Fast cars and fast times—nothing spells excitement better than this wining combination. For racing enthusiasts and party people alike, the much-awaited Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix kicked off its forthcoming race with a highly-charged launch party for Filipino F1 fans at Makati’s Embassy Super Club.

Rev your engines and strap yourselves in as Formula One fever grips Manila!

Serving as the second round of the FIA Formula One Grand Prix World Championship, the 2008 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix is slated on March 21 to 23 at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

No less than Dato’ Mirza Taiyab, director general of Tourism Malaysia, and Dato” Azmi Murad, general manager of SIC, flew in to the Philippines to join local celebrities and race buffs in celebrating the upcoming race.

Spicing up the festivities was a raffle draw wherein 10 tickets to the 2008 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, inclusive of airfare and accommodation, courtesy of the Tourism Malaysia and host Sepang International Circuit were given away to lucky guests. There was also a fashion show showcasing Formula One outfits.

“We are truly excited to launch the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix this year because we are celebrating our 10th year of hosting a race for the world’s most glamorous racing series,” said Azmi, who added that for the 10th edition, they are targeting a record turn-out of 125,000 spectators, including more than 50,000 foreigners.

For his part, Mirza said, “The event will not only provide long-term benefits to tourism but also help us in our efforts to turn Malaysia into a regional hub for motor sports.”

Malaysia has been hosting the Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix since 1999 at the SIC, an ultra-modern site that had set a new benchmark for future race circuits with its distinguished design highlighted by a double frontage.

Over the years, the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix always drives out the best in F1 teams and drivers who also have to survive the venue’s challenging weather and humidity, aside from the SIC’s demanding 5.543-km circuit. It is also largely viewed as the start of the “real battle” for the world crown as by race time at Sepang, teams and drivers would already have settled down with their cars and strategies after a period of testing and experimenting during the preceding inaugural race in Melbourne, Australia.

Among those who have conquered the field in the Malaysian GP were former seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher of Germany and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso of Spain.

For certain, the Launch Party of the 2008 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix has generated much excitement and interest among Filipinos, who are now revved up for world-class F1 action.