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.”
Malaysian Riders 