F1 Fever In Kuala Lumpur

As Kuala Lumpur revs up for the PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix 2006, both Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall have once again collaborated to provide racing fans and supporters with thrills and excitement galore. Expect the best of motor racing action, celebrations and a carnival-like atmosphere when you arrive in the Malaysian capital. The F1 related fun and entertainment activities during March are known as Pit Stops. Pit Stop 1 is the launch of the PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix and Kuala Lumpur Grand Prix City (KLGPC) programmes at Berjaya Times Square on 5 March 2006. Pit Stop 2 is the shopping spree in KLGPC from 11 to 26 March. The F1 fraternity and supporters can browse and buy the best bargains be it elegant designer brands or unique ethnic souvenirs at shopping malls throughout the city. For Pit Stop 3, the Naza group of companies is organising the KL F1 Auto Festival at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur from 11 to 12 March 2006. Among the attractions are the KL 3rd International Vintage & Classic Car Concours parade, Maxis activities, scooter demonstration and competition, musical performances, F1 mini party, colouring contest, magic show, auto festival, karaoke and big screen show of the F1 opening race live from Bahrain.Pit Stop 4 is all glamour and prestige as SIC is holding a spectacular 2006 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix Spring Gala at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 16 March. The highlight is the live concert by Lionel Ritchie, the multiple Grammy award-winning singing sensation from the U.S. A total of 200 tickets priced at RM900, RM1,300 and RM1,550 are available to the public. Ticketed guests will have the opportunity to mingle with Formula 1 drivers and personalities, celebrities and corporate leaders during the cocktail reception. Pit Stops 5 and 6 are BMW Sauber F1 events. The BMW Sauber team is a new addition to the 2006 Formula One World Championship. Their events from 16 to 19 March include a fashion show, entertainment act and BMW Heritage Race Cars Demo at Jalan Pinang and Jalan P. Ramlee on 18 March. Pit Stop 7 showcases the richness of Malaysian culture and lifestyle known as “Sights & Sounds of Kuala Lumpur Grand Prix City” at the downtown Bintang Walk from 17 to 18 March. Other pit stops are the Red Zone party at SIC on 17 March (Pit Stop 8), Renault F1 Tiesto Live in KL at SIC on 18 March (Pit Stop 9) and McLaren Chrome Party at the Mercedes Benz showroom, Jalan Sultan Ismail (Pit Stop 10). Sepang will host the second round of the 2006 Formula One World Championship from 17 to 19 March, a week after the new season opens in Bahrain on March 12. The races held at Sepang F1 Circuit, some 50km from the shopping and entertainment haven of Kuala Lumpur, is only a 10-minute drive from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Tickets for the PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix range from RM50 to RM1,750 and can be purchased at the SIC office in KL Sentral, via internet at www.malaysiangp.com.my or by calling Ticket Hotline at 603-87782222. Issued by: Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia