Kuala Lumpur, 28 January – PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT) is all set to mount a challenge in the 2019 MotoGP World Championship, as title sponsor PETRONAS, unveiled the team’s and the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing’s liveries here today.
PETRONAS Chairman Datuk Ahmad Nizam Salleh launched the liveries that prominently feature PETRONAS’ logo and colours on the bikes and rider gear. The new look will make its debut during the first Official MotoGP Test of 2019, at the Sepang International Circuit from 6-8 February.
This special occasion also serves as a statement of intent from the team, who for the first time ever in Southeast Asia, will have a presence in all three categories of Grand Prix motorcycle racing – MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3. PETRONAS Yamaha SRT will be represented by 2018 MotoGP Rookie of the Year Franco Morbidelli and Moto2 graduate Fabio Quartararo. Both riders will contest onboard Yamaha YZR-M1, which has similar specifications to the factory outfit, thanks to a close working relationship between the team and Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd.
Malaysian and two-time Grand Prix winner Khairul Idham Pawi will compete in the Moto2 category under the PETRONAS Sprinta Racing banner, while fellow riders Ayumu Sasaki and John McPhee will take on the Moto3 challenge.
At the launch, PETRONAS President and Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin said PETRONAS is proud to reveal the PETRONAS Yamaha SRT and PETRONAS Sprinta Racing liveries, as the unveiling marks a significant moment for PETRONAS and the Malaysian motorsports industry.
He added: “PETRONAS’ involvement in motorsports has spanned decades through our entry in Formula One and MotoGP. This partnership marks PETRONAS’ presence in the whole spectrum of motorcycle racing, from the grassroots level in Cub Prix right up to the international races of MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 further enhancing our global branding and technology partnership, particularly in the field of fuel and lubricants. Through PETRONAS’ Fluid Technology Solutions, we aim to significantly contribute to the teams’ performance by developing and testing customised product formulations to further boost its competitive edge.”
Meanwhile, Sepang International Circuit Chief Executive Officer and Team Principal of PETRONAS Sepang Racing Team Dato’ Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali said: “The launch of the team marks our intention as a serious contender in the new 2019 MotoGP season. It has been an unbelievable journey so far and the excitement continues.
“This launch is for all Malaysian fans who have been supporting Malaysian MotoGP since 1991. We have come a long way and evolved to this point because of the success of Malaysian MotoGP. The journey so far marked the hard work of the team, PETRONAS and Yamaha. We worked tirelessly to get everything ready for today and for the first test at Sepang International Circuit in February. We know there’s a lot more work ahead but today, let’s enjoy this team presentation and be proud of what we have achieved so far.”
