SIC: 1MALAYSIA F1 TEAM HQ WILL INCLUDE WIND TUNNEL

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Sepang International Circuit (SIC), a
joint partnership involving the government and a consortium of Malaysian
entrepreneurs for the 1Malaysia Formula (F1) One Team project, has allocated
between 8,000 and
12,000 hectres for the development of the Made-in-Malaysia F1 team headquarters.

SIC chief executive officer (CEO) Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali told Bernama the
headquarters, to be located at the circuit, would be equipped with
state-of-the-art facilities, including a wind-tunnel, to test the aerodynamics
of the Malaysian-made machines.

He said the headquarters comprising an office, reseach & development (R&D),
manufacturing, technical centre and other related departments would be fully
functional, two years after the preliminary works expected to begin by the
middle of next year.

"SIC have chosen a suitable site for the team headquarters which will be
located at the parking area before the tunnel, to enter the podium building.

"But it's all in the preliminary stages. All the parties involved will have
to sit together after the Hari Raya and submit whatever plans we have to the
motorsports governing body, the Federation of International Automobile (FIA) for
endorsement," he told Bernama here Wednesday.


Ahmad Razlan admitted, the cost to build the team headquarters at SIC would
involve millions or may be, billions of ringgit, but could not reveal the actual
cost because it was still in the preliminary phase.

SIC would only build the physical infrastructure but the hardware and
software of the projects would be decided by other parties, he said.

Ahmad Razlan said cooperation between SIC and Air Asia began a few months
ago
when Asia's low-budget airlines boss Datuk Tony Fernandes told him about his
ambitious dream to set up an all Malaysian F1 team.

For SIC, the idea will not only enhance the level of the company's
involvement
in the motorsports industry but also show Malaysia's direct involvelment with
F1.

"This is a new chapter for SIC...as organiser of Malaysian F1 race to
the niche Home of Motorsports and now, we can boast that we're the hub for
motorsports in Asia," said Ahmad Rzalan.

Asked if the Malaysian-made machines would be on the grid before the
Australian Grand Prix in March next year -- the first round of the 2010 F1
calendar -- he said the mean-machines would be in Malaysia before the race.

"I can assure all Malaysian that the 1Malaysia F1 Team machines will be in
this country before the Australian race, most probably for testing at the
5.543km Sepang Circuit.

"We're not building the car from scratch. We already have the Lotus
technology for the engines and within three month, the car is fit to be on the
road. The Malaysian car has enough time to make a pinacle for the motorsports
industry. That, I can assure them," he said.

He said the team's technical director Mike Gascoyne had over 20 years
experience in F1, and previously performed the same role for the Force India,
Toyota, Renault and Jordan Formula One Teams.

Meanwhile, National Sports Institute director-general Dr Ramlan Abd
Aziz said the institute was willing to share its expertise with the budding F1
drivers.

He said former national F1 driver Alex Yoong used to undergo physical
training under the institute's supervision as F1 drivers needed to be physically
and mentally ready.

"If necessary, we will set up a team comprising experts to help in the
training.

"However, before we provide any assistance, we must get the green light from
the youth and sports ministry," added Dr Ramlan.

-- BERNAMA