F1 GENERATES INTEREST IN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY, SAYS TUN DR MAHATHIR

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Being a host country for the Formula One
(F1) World Championship has stimulated interest in the automotive industry
among the younger generation, said former prime minister Dr Mahathir
Mohamed.

"We can see now there are so many young drivers...young engineers. We are
now absorbing the technologies and skills in the automotive industry," he told
reporters Monday night.

Earlier, the former prime minister, accompanied by Petronas President and
Chief Executive Officer Shamsul Azhar Abbas had officiated the Petronas
Motorsport 2011 campaign at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) here.

Following the recent worldwide unveiling of Mercedes GP Petronas' new
machine in Valencia, Spain, the MGP W02 Monday night made its Malaysian debut at
the home ground of the team's title partner.

The Petronas Motorsports campaign for this year includes the
continuation of its talent development and initiatives development
programmes with partner teams, Petronas Mofaz Racing and Team Meritus.


On F1 in Malaysia, Dr Mahathir said he hoped Malaysia remains as one of the
prominent host countries.

Dr Mahathir added that he also hoped that the collaboration between Petronas
and Mercedes in the Mercedes GP Petronas Team would further excel in this year's
F1 World Championship.

"As usual, the expectation is for this year to be better than last year.

"For this year, I think the Mercedes GP Petronas car has been redesigned and
they have taken into consideration the weaknesses of last year," he said.

The Mercedes GP Petronas team has retained its previous drivers -- Nico
Rosberg and Michael Schumarcher -- for this season.