Malaysia's first superbike, the PETRONAS FP1, ran a test session in Sepang today as part of a promotional launch program by the national oil giant. Ridden by FPR Team Principal Carl Fogarty and Team PETRONAS Sprinta Trainer Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini, the road-going FP1 thoroughly impressed everybody present with its sleek lines, agile handling and tremendous power to boot.

Speaking after taking the FP1 through its paces, Carl said, "The power delivery on this road-going machine was quite aggressive despite it being a road machine. I particularly like the way it handles within a corner and the natural feel that you get while negotiating the esses. It was a great experience overall and I have to say it was pure enjoyment."

Also impressed with its cornering speed, ex-250cc motorcycle grand prix racer Shahrol Yuzy commented, "Its cornering capability was even better than the usual superbikes I've ridden and it posesses a very good roling speed. Even when I'm in a mid-corner lean angle, I just needed to set the handle to the intended direction and it just went exactly there. This is a fun bike to ride."

Apart from the local and international media, the event was also attended by two of FP1's strong men: Project Leader En. Zulkarnain and Project Engineer, En. Zaimizi Hamdani. Detailing the major differences between the two machine, Zaimizi said, "The first feedback I got from friends this morning was that the road version FP1's sound was not as high-pitched or F1-like as its racing brothers. That's quite normal because we have tweaked it a bit or detune it to meet the road legal requirements. But it still carries 85% of the racing compenents as evident in the overall package of the bike."

Armed wit the latest high-end motorcycle parts and gadgets, the FP1 is made entirely of carbon fibre body panels, seat structure, airbox, dash mount and intake duct. With a weight of 181kg propelled by a transverse in-line 3-cylinder engine mounted 17 degrees rearward, the FP1 reaches a max torque of 92 kW at 9,700 rpm while max power kicks in around 10,000 rpm. It uses a Magnetti Marelli 1-AS engine management system as well as a Magnetti Marelli LCD display. Shodded with premium Ohlin rear shocks and front forks as well as an Ohlin steering damper, the FP1 is also equipped with Michelin Pilot Sports and Foggy OZ 6-spoke alluminium rims.

Available in 3 color variants, the race replica PETRONAS FP1 road going version is estimated to retail around RM171,000 and is only available in 100 limited edition units. This excellent machine may be viewed up close at PETRONAS Galeri in Level 3, Suria KLCC. Admission is free.