VIDEO: Sepang shows off race trophies from Tiffany & Co

Race trophies says a lot about the event and the organiser so Sepang International Circuit commissioned world renowned jewelery make Tiffany & Co to produce their race trophy for the Petronas Grand Prix.

The design is in the form of a classical championship cup, a form that Tiffany has maintained in their catalogue since they began making trophies.

A video explaining the design comes after the jump









PRESS RELEASE


Sepang Race Trophies in Sterling Silver from Tiffany & Co.

Breaking tradition, the winners’ trophies for the Formula 1, MotoGP and the 12-hour Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race (MMER) at Sepang Circuit will now be in sterling silver and courtesy of world renowned silversmith Tiffany & Co.

“I am proud to announce our collaboration with Tiffany and Co, which will be sponsoring the winners’ trophies for the Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix, the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix and our MMER for the next three years beginning this year,” said SIC Chief Executive Officer Dato Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali.

“This is indeed a historical day for us. It gives us great pride to be working with Tiffany & Co. whose reputation in the industry is without comparison and second to none,” he said at the unveiling of the 2011 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix trophy at ‘Tiffany & Co’ Store, Pavilion Mall in Kuala Lumpur today.

According to Razlan, the partnership with Tiffany & Co, which is a world renowned icon, would inject further glamour and prestige on SIC; and that he was pleased that it was even extended to the 2011 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix and the MMER event.

“After 13 years, we feel that a change is in line. Hence, the appointment of Tiffany & Co and having the glittering silver material,” he added.

To be held from April 8 to 10, the 2011 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix would mark its 13th edition; and previous F1 trophies was made of pewter and produced by local companies.

Hailed as the world’s most prestigious motor racing event and ranked third behind the Olympics and the World Cup in terms of popularity, the F1 race is telecast live worldwide and reaching more than 400 million television viewers; giving sponsors huge mileage and international exposure.

For newspapers, magazine and websites, image of the race winners lofting the trophy is almost a must; ensuring worldwide coverage for the specially crafted prized trophies.

Handcrafted by Tiffany & Co. in its silver workshop, the cup honors the tradition of Formula 1 racing and represents Tiffany’s heritage as a world-renowned silversmith.

Under the three-year partnership, Tiffany & Co. is officially SIC’s trophy producer and sponsor for the three international events – the F1 race, MotoGP and the Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race, which is previously known as the Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race.

“I am made to understand that Tiffany & Co is now already working on a customized trophy for this year’s MotoGP and F1 next year. We are very excited to see the design as Tiffany & Co is known for their classy look,” added Razlan.

Tiffany & Co. creates sterling silver awards for many of the world’s greatest sporting events. Among them are the National Football League Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy, National Basketball Association Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, World Series Trophy for Major League Baseball, and the U.S. Open Tennis Championship Trophies. Inspired by the transcendent form and energy of competition, these outstanding Tiffany & Co. designs are a lasting tribute to the athletes’ dedication and the thrill of victory.

For more details, contact SIC Head of Corporate Communications Azhar Ghazali at 019-3837865 or the National Press Officer Norlina Ayob at 019-3174555.


Caption Pic A from left: Ms Marianne Liow (General Manager Tiffany & Co Malaysia), Dato' Razlan Razali (SIC CEO), Pn Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz (General Manager PETRONAS Motorsports).

Pic B from left : Ms Marianne Liow (General Manager Tiffany & Co Malaysia), Dato' Razlan Razali (SIC CEO), Pn Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz (General Manager PETRONAS Motorsports) and Miss Hannah Yong (SIC Head of Events & Promotion)

SIC organizes donation drive for flood victims

MotoGP fans encouraged to donate at least RM2 as they watch the testing next week

The floods which affected northern Johor, Malacca and parts of Negri Sembilan caused hardship to thousands so the Sepang International Circuit is joining in the effort to relieve some of the loss by organizing a donation drive for MotoGP fans.

The donation campaign will take place at the upcoming MotoGP test session next week and they want fans to give at least RM2 to help flood victims.

“Basically, anybody who passes out gates during the three-day testing including staff of the circuit, contractors and suppliers are encouraged to drop a minimum donation of RM2 which will be channeled to the flood relief funds,” says Datuk Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali, the Chief Executive Officer of Sepang International Circuit.

 Donation boxes would be placed at the entrance gates for fans to drop their donations,” Razlan said, adding that he was hopeful of another huge crowd at the testing, which would be held from February 22 to 24.

 “We had a good turnout at the first test earlier this month including foreign fans. And, I am hoping for more fans to turn up to the circuit for the second test. On top of catching their idols in action, they can also show their compassion for the flood victims.

 “As all of us know, the effects of the flood this time round were massive. It was the worst flood ever to hit Johor,” added Razlan, who also said that the second test would feature world champion Jorge Lorenzo and his new Factory Yamaha Racing showcasing their new 2011 liveries.

 “At the last test in Sepang, Repsol Honda unveiled their 2011 liveries and their new three-man team of Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso. We also saw Rossi in the red Ducati leathers for the first time. This time round, we will see the new Factory Yamaha Racing liveries,” said Razlan.

The pre-season MotoGP test in Sepang next week would be the second test session for the MotoGP riders after the lifting of the test ban on January 31. The first session – from February 1 to 3 – saw Marco Simoncelli of Team San Carlo Honda Gresini upstaging his more celebrated rivals with a time of 2 minutes 0.757 seconds around the 5.543-km track.

 “I expect the riders will be even faster at the second test. They might even challenge Valentino Rossi’s fastest time in Sepang,” Razlan said in reference to Rossi’s time of 2 minutes 0.271 seconds which the Italian recorded last year on the second day of second pre-season test on his Yamaha M1 machine.

SIC EXTENDS EARLY BIRD PROMOTION FOR MALAYSIAN F1 GRAND PRIX

Pic: Shukor Janis

KUALA LUMPUR, December 27, 2010: Looking for a great New Year’s gift for your motorsport-fan family members or friends? Try getting them tickets to the 2011 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, to be held from April 8 to 10 next year.

You could take advantage of the Early Bird promotional discount (50 per cent off ticket prices) which has been extended to January 31, 2011. It will be the perfect gift which will definitely earn you the possibility of being voted as the most favourite person of the year, while saving you quite a bit of money as well.

Better yet, you could also introduce your children to the exciting world of motorsports through the eyes of Disney, as Disney on Ice and the Sepang International Circuit is offering special promotional packages in conjunction with Disney/Pixars’s motion picture, CARS.

The family can enjoy watching the high-speed stunts of Disney / Pixar's CARS, featuring Lightning McQueen, Matar and other characters from the motion picture at the Stadium Putra Bukit Jalil from April 1 to 3, and watch the real-life action of the Formula One race just a week later.

The SIC-Disney on Ice VIP packages comes with four 2011 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix’s Crystal seats tickets and four Disney on Ice VIP Rinkside tickets  (worth RM5,429) which can be purchased at RM2,935.

You could also opt for the regular package which offers four 2011 Formula One Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix‘s Topaz seats tickets and four Disney on Ice Rinkside tickets (worth RM3,589) for only RM1,967.

The SIC-Disney on Ice Package promotional package is available till January 31, 2011.

“Due to popular demand, we decided to extend the Early Bird promotion to January 31 so that fans of the Formula One will be able to take advantage of the discount,” said Sepang International Circuit chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali, adding that the move to extend the Early Bird promotions is part of SIC’s on-going effort to promote the love of motorsports among Malaysians.  

“I believe that 2011 will be more exciting as we may potentially be seeing three Malaysian related F1 teams in the likes of Mercedes Petronas F1 Team, a potentially rebadged Lotus Racing Team and a possible Lotus Renault F1 Team, ” said Razlan.

With hillstand seats being offered from as low as RM30, and grandstand seats worth RM1,200 being sold at RM600, the Early Bird discount promotion is an opportunity not to be missed.

Malaysian takes Gold Wing for 12-hour ride around Sepang

131 laps later and Nadarajan Periasamy is in the Malaysian book of records

Nadarajan Periasamy wanted to do this special ride with his son Velugaran but it was not to be as his son had passed away five years ago, so when he was officially entered in the Malaysian Book of Records, he dedicated the record to Velugaran.
“It was fun; but it was also very hard … especially during that heavy rain,” Nadarajan said as he related his experience; starting his adventure as early as 6am with only stops for fueling, toilet breaks and a brief ceremonial flagging off ceremony at the sixth hour mark by SIC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali at 12 noon that lasted less than five minutes.


Full Story and Press Release below

Nadarajan said: “The most difficult part was during the rain. It was raining very heavily. But, I just continue. I would like to thank my family members and friends who braved the rain to be with me on the track and at the pitwall to give me encouragement.

“I could stop remembering my son throughout today’s ride. I felt very close to him. I missed him very much,” he said in reference to the late Velugaran, who actually conceived the idea for the ride but could not make it a reality after he was killed in a road accident in Johor Bahru in 2005.

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PRESS RELEASE

SUPERBIKER NADARAJAN SETS LONGEST BIKE RIDE IN SEPANG

Superbiker Nadarajan Periasamy rode himself into Malaysia’s Book of Records after completing 12 hours of non-stop riding on his Honda Goldwing around Sepang Circuit for ‘The Longest Motorcycle Ride’ record yesterday; but admitted that he was filled with mixed emotions upon completing the feat.   

“I am happy; and I am also sad today. This was supposed to be a joint effort with my late son, Velugaran. I missed him very much and I would like to dedicate this record to my son,” Nadarajan said after completing 12 hours of endurance ride and 131 laps around the 5.543-km MotoGP track.

“It was fun; but it was also very hard … especially during that heavy rain,” Nadarajan said as he related his experience; starting his adventure as early as 6am with only stops for fueling, toilet breaks and a brief ceremonial flagging off ceremony at the sixth hour mark by SIC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali at 12 noon that lasted less than five minutes.

In covering all the breaks, Nadarajan, who was joined by his superbiker friends that took turns in supporting the 47-year old Penangite, rode an additional 30 minutes until 6.30pm to formalize his record breaking feat for a 12-hour non-stop endurance ride.

Nadarajan said: “The most difficult part was during the rain. It was raining very heavily. But, I just continue. I would like to thank my family members and friends who braved the rain to be with me on the track and at the pitwall to give me encouragement.

“I could stop remembering my son throughout today’s ride. I felt very close to him. I missed him very much,” he said in reference to the late Velugaran, who actually conceived the idea for the ride but could not make it a reality after he was killed in a road accident in Johor Bahru in 2005.

The longest ride record would be Nadarajan’s second inscription in Malaysia’s Book of Records as he also holds the record for achieving the nation’s first Longest Standing Motorcycle Ride in 2007. For the record, he traveled a distance of 933km from Gelang Patah, Johor to Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah. The ride, which was carried out on his Honda Goldwing 1500cc bike, took him 10 hours and 45 minutes to complete.

In preparation for Sepang’s 12-hour long endurance ride, Nadarajan said he jogged five kilometers daily and spending his Sundays riding his bike around the Batu Kawan Stadium’s car park in Penang.

“I have to do that because I need to get myself used to an environment which doesn’t change. When I was setting my previous record, the longest standing motorcycle ride, the environment

changed all the time. I was able to see different things happening during each second of the ride.

 “But at the track, I will be seeing the same thing over and over again, so I need to train myself to ride in a monotonous environment. I have to train myself mentally and physically. If I lose my concentration, I will not be able to handle the big bike,” he said.

Nadajan said : “The next one that I have in mind will again feature Sepang International Circuit. The plan is to place cones around the track and I will do a slalom ride for a period of time. Maybe six hours … I am not sure yet; but it will need some planning especially in getting the date from SIC.

“I am made to understand that the track is fully booked throughout the year. So, I sincerely hope SIC can help me again on this one,” added Nadarajan, who had SIC, Metzeler tyres, Maxima Oil, R-KM, Fieldsheer, AMX Helmet and Boon Siew Honda supporting him for this record feat.

For more details, contact SIC Head of Corporate Communications Azhar Ghazali at 019-3837865 or the National Press Officer Norlina Ayob at 019-3174555.

HRC MotoGP test at Sepang ends 2010 on-track development work

Jonathan Rea hard at work in Sepang

Honda's MotoGP team ended their 2010 development work last Friday after three-days testing at the Sepang International Circuit.

The test session was scheduled to end on Saturday but was extended to include a three-hour session on Sunday morning due to time last to heavy rain on Saturday  afternoon.

The test team and HRC test rider Kousuke Akiyoshi were happy with the data gleaned while verifying information and technical data gathered at the last team test session, held at Valencia in early November.




The HRC test was also a happy experience for Ten Kate Honda World Superbike team rider Jonathan Rea.

The Ulsterman was given the opportunity to test the RC212V as a reward for his WSB performances in 2010. Race completed the test alongside Akiyoshi running for 40 laps in fine sunny weather with temperatures close on 30 degrees for the morning session.

Rea said of his first MotoGP experience. "Riding the RC212V has been an unbelievable experience for me! A four days test is a dream that became true and I am really happy that HRC invited me here in Sepang.

Yesterday the rain didn't allow us to be on track that much and we stayed one more day. Today I start feeling the bike is "my bike" and I had some good feeling riding it. I hope I have been able to give to the engineers some useful comment, even if my physical conditions were not the best because my wrist is still not 100%.

Now I will have some rest for the End of the Year, and then I will be focused on my job of 2011 that is the World Superbike Championship. Thanks again to everybody in Honda for the great experience!".

While Rea returns to Europe and a well earned rest the HRC engineers will not be resting. The test team heads home to Japan with much valuable data to evaluate as they continue working at the development of the RC212V in time for the first MotoGP test session of the 2011 season. The test will also be held at the Sepang circuit on February 1 – 3.