When PETRONAS entered the prestigious and competitive world of Formula One (F1) in 1995, it took the first step towards positioning itself as a global brand. PETRONAS has now matured into a global player with operations that span across more than 30 countries mainly in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and South America..

Going Global
PETRONAS’ foray into Formula One (F1) began with the sponsorship of the then Red Bull-Sauber-Ford Racing Team.  In line with its vision to be a “Leading Oil and Gas Multinational of Choice”, the sponsorship helped accelerate its branding efforts, positioning both PETRONAS and Malaysia on the global stage.  The efforts were further enhanced when it secured the F1 Grand Prix title sponsorship rights for Malaysia in 1999, which helped boost PETRONAS’ corporate image and brand presence and promote Malaysia as the premier venue for international motor sports in the region.

Its involvement in F1 has not only increased global awareness of the PETRONAS brand but has also strengthened the company’s technological capabilities through continuous product research and development (R&D) efforts derived from and based on F1 technology as well as its other motorsports involvement. Notwithstanding, as the most intense and unforgiving of all motor sports, F1 poses the toughest challenge to man and machine, pitching the world’s best in an ultimate test of speed, performance and endurance.

PETRONAS' Involvement in Motorsports
PETRONAS’ foray into motor sports dates back to 1988, when it was evident that motor sports was the ideal platform to help promote its lubricant products domestically. It began with the sponsorship of a Malaysian rally team, competing at the national, regional and international levels. This then led to the sponsorship of other motor sports teams racing in the high endurance touring car circuits.

Since 1993, PETRONAS has also been involved in motorcycle racing in the local, regional and international circuits. 1999 saw the birth of a four-wheel drive adventure team championing PETRONAS’ pioneering spirit and commitment to community service through long-distance four-wheel drive expeditions mounted across difficult terrains and extreme conditions around the world.

In addition to promoting both corporation and country to the world, motor sports also serves as the ideal test-bed for its fuel and lubricant products as well as harnessing technological and human capabilities. The motor sports experience of almost two decades has well positioned the PETRONAS to make further inroads into other markets, including the venture into China’s lubricant retail market by leveraging on its participation in the first Shanghai F1 Grand Prix in October 2004. Since then, the corporation now has ventures in other lubricant retail markets, including Thailand, Indonesia and India.

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