Park Offers A Glimpse Into F1

Up close: Rosman showing off the 90m circuit that is a highligh of the park.

MOTORING enthusiasts in Malaysia have a chance to get up close and personal with Formula One at the first-in-Asia BMW Sauber F1 Team Pit Lane Park, launched on April 4 in Kuala Lumpur.

Presented by BMW Malaysia in partnership with its F1 motorsports division, BMW Sauber F1 team and Petronas, the park is located in Kuala Lumpur City Centre's open car park on Jalan Binjai.

The park will be in Kuala Lumpur until April 8. Other stops after Kuala Lumpur will be in Barcelona, Britain, Germany and Shanghai.

It offers a variety of interactive experiences to the public as it features a miniature 90m racetrack, mini grandstand, an F1 training centre and garage, a display of BMW race cars and more.

This includes the Public Pit Stop Challenge where participants can change F1 car tyres and compete in virtual races with the F1 Race Stimulator.

There will also be question-and-answer sessions with BMW Sauber F1 team experts.

At the Petronas Pit, fans can learn everything about refuelling a Formula One car.

The park is able to accommodate 16,000 visitors a day.

There will also be demonstrations on the 90m circuit.

Highlights will be this year's BMW Sauber F1 team race car F1.07 and a BMW Motoradd demonstration.

BMW Malaysia managing director Wolfgang Schlimme said with Formula One at your Fingertips as the motto, BMW has replicated genuine Gand Prix conditions at the park.

"We hope to attract not only BMW fans but all motoring fans to the park," said Schlimme at the media launch.

Also present were Petronas Motorsports senior manager Rosman Roslan and BMW Sports marketing manager Joerg Csallner.

There was also a BMW Motorrad demo by Chris Pfieffer.

The park is open to the public from Thurs to Sat from 3pm to 11pm. On Sun, it is open from 11am to 5.30pm. Admission is free.