A Roaring Time Even Off The Circuit

Good crowed: (from left)Vodafone Mercedes McLaren's Catherine Dyer, Azalina, UMNO Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Hamilton making their entrance to the event.

22-YEARS-OLD SENSATION MAKES HIS MALAYSIAN DEBUT

LEWIS Halmiton may only be 22, but the Formula One (F1) driver has already caught the eye of many during his debut outing at the 2007 Australian Grand Prix where he finished third.

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 team driver made his first appearance in Malaysia, as part of TAG Heuer's dream team of brand ambassadors, at a recent TAG Heuer Ignites GP Party at Bintang Walk.

The party was held to celebrate TAG Heuer's association with F1 and the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, and to honour Hamilton, the brand's new ambassador.

When asked what TAG Heuer means to him, Hamilton said,"Style, elegance, avant-garde, sports. Motorsports is all about precise time measurement, as it helps you understand where you can find more time."

Hamilton wore a TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph to the party. He favours the watch because "it combines strong reliable technical feature with a young and dynamic look."

It was a hot event featuring go kart races, contests to win TAG Heuer prizes and street performances by artistes like Joe Flizzow, Reshmonu, Suki (one in a Million), Ahli Fiqir and DJ Jungle Jerry.

Adding glamour and glitz to the party were celebrities like Hannah Tan, Channel [V] VJs Joey G and Marion Caunter, Sharifah Amani, Elaine Daly, Cheryl Samad, Sazzy Falak, Jason Lo, Serena C and Miss Malaysia/World 2006 Adeline Choo.

The highlight of the party was a simulator race competition, which saw Hamilton pitting his driving skills against Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman.

Several celebrities also tested their F1 driving skills at the simulator race competition.

"Driving this was easier than expected. The computer controlled the brakes, so all i did was press the gas pedal," said Hitz. TV VJ Azwin Andy(Andy).

"How you win this competition depends on how you take the corners. I think i would've done better if i could control the brakes," said Andy, who admitted to playing it safe throughout the drive.

"I think it was a load of fun, but i conld've done better if only i knew where the corners were," said TV personality/actress Aishah Sinclair.

Though she said she hit the gravel many times when taking corners, the spunky lady said she might give Michael Schumacher a run for his money.

Andy won third place in the competition, while the first prize went to Ashraf Sinclair, who took home a TAG Heuer timepiece for his driving efforts.

Celebrity guests: (From left) TV personalities Stephanie Chai, Belinda Chee, Hannah Tan, Paula Malai Ali, Miss Malaysia/World 2006 Adeline Choo and Channel [V] VJ Marion Caunter were among those present.