F1 drivers learn a thing or two at Petrosains
KUALA LUMPUR: Famed for its fun and interactive approach, the Petrosains centre educates young people about science – and maybe a Formula One driver or two along the way.
“I thought oil came from a little lake under the earth, but it doesn’t. It’s in the middle of porous rocks and it’s just one of the things I learned today,” Nico Rosberg quipped yesterday after touring the centre with fellow Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 driver Michael Schumacher.
The two top-notch drivers visited Petrosains with 70 excited schoolchildren from SMK Aminuddin Baki and SMK Puteri Titiwangsa, who are part of Petronas’ education outreach programme in collaboration with Petronas.
The racing drivers later greeted adoring fans who had queued for hours to get their autographs at KLCC.
Rosberg said he thought it was fantastic that Petronas had made such a centre available for young children, which included teaching them about road safety.
Schumacher, meanwhile, lauded the exhibits at Petrosains.
“It’s great that Petronas has such a facility for both local and international visitors,” he said, adding that he was looking forward to the second race of the season at Sepang this weekend.
The seven-time world champion also humorously warned aspiring drivers to hone their craft only at the race track.
“Don’t use the road to try and show off your talent. Use the track,” he advised.
Student Muhd Zhafir Mohd Khalil, 14, said he loved F1 as it was such an adrenaline-pumping sport.
“One of my dreams is to represent Malaysia as a race car driver one day,” he said shyly, adding that Schumacher was one of his idols.
Song Peiqi, 14, said it was a dream come true to meet Schumacher, Rosberg and reserve/test driver Sam Bird in person.
“We will definitely support their team. I also think Michael is the most handsome of the three,” she said.
The 2012 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix takes place this weekend at the Sepang International Circuit.