Schoolchildren to be given chance for exclusive F1 pit lane tour
PETALING JAYA: It will be an unforgettable experience” for those schoolchildren who take up the opportunity of an exclusive pit lane tour in the Formula One Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit this Friday.
The kids will get a glimpse of their favourite drivers preparing for Sunday’s race.
They may even get to snap a photo or, better still, snag an autograph as they pass through the team pits.
These are the exciting possibilities awaiting them as the Malaysian Grand Prix returns for the 14th edition.
The Sepang International Circuit (SIC), promoters of the race, are offering free entry to students to witness the pit crew and drivers up close after the second qualifying practice from 2pm to 3.30 pm.
Students will be exposed to the technological side of F1 while being given a thorough explanation of the workings of the machines by the drivers and technical staff as they prepare the machines for battle.
“We hope these students will one day be inspired to take up a career in motorsports as F1 drivers or technical crew in the pits,” said SIC chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali.
“SIC has only limited places for students and teachers, so registration is on first come first served basis. For schools who want to register or want more information, please contact Nursyahida Hamid at 03-8778 2229.”
Besides the pit lane walk, fans will be hoping to get up close and personal with their favourite drivers during the special autograph session on race day (March 25).
Top of the list of favourites is German Sebastian Vettel, who is gunning for a hat-trick of titles, thus cementing his place as the youngest ever three-time winner at the age of 24.
There will be also be the longawaited appearance of 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen, who is making a comeback after competing in the World Rally Championship.
The Finnish driver will be joined on the grid by four other former champions— Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher.
Button has laid down the marker for this season, proving there is life yet in the Mclaren machine, by stealing the thunder from Vettel at the season opening Australian Grand Prix at Melbourne’s Albert Park last Sunday.
The six champions lead a stellar line-up on what is arguably the most competitive field in F1 history and should be the main factor in attracting a record crowd of 90,000 fans on race day.
Malaysian-backed Caterham F1 Team will be parading their new driver Vitaly Petrov, who replaced Italian Jarno Trulli, alongside Heikki Kovalainen.
Petronas backed Mercedes AMG Formula One Team will parade Schumi and German compatriot Nico Rosberg while Lotus F1 will be in town with Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean.