PETRONAS Toyota Team Tom's
2008 SUPER GT CHAMPIONSHIP
News, June 2008

Andre Lotterer, Juichi Wakisaka and team go to the top, of the PETRONAS Twin Towers

Kuala Lumpur, 19 June 2008 - As a prelude to the team's round four outing at the Super GT International Series Malaysia at the Sepang International Circuit on June 22nd, PETRONAS Toyota Team Tom's drivers Andre Lotterer (DEU) and Juichi Wakisaka (JPN) as well as members of the team's management took a time out to tour the PETRONAS Twin Towers.

Despite having raced in Malaysian for the series over the past several years, this was the team's very first visit to the landmark towers. In addition to the tour of the towers, the duo were also given a tour of PETRONAS' interactive science centre, PETROSAINS.

Andre (left) and Juichi (right) play the mind-game at PETROSAINS' Speed exhibition

The 40-minute tour of the centre saw both drivers tour the centre's latest exhibits at the Space exhibition as well as participate in a number of activities including the go-kart simulator and mind game at the centre's SPEED exhibit. The science discovery centre was created as a means of presenting the science and technology of the petroleum industry in a fun and interactive way, in addition to being a way to stimulate interest in science and technology especially among school children.

Andre test drives the go-kart simulator at PETROSAINS

Following the tour, the duo were later entertained by the musicians at the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra during the team's visit to the Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS. The drivers and team management were given a rare glimpse of the orchestra while in rehearsal under the baton of conductor Kees Bakels.

Andre holds a priceless 1671 Nicola Amati violin while Juichi shows off a Stradivarius 1701 violin during the visit to the Italian treasures exhibition

The drivers were also given an exclusive tour of the Italian treasures exhibition of precious string instruments from the ancient and modern Italian school of violin making. The exhibition featured an array of string instruments including a 1701 Stradivarius made by Antonio Stradivari; a 1671 Nicola Amati violin and a circa 1500 Gasparo da Salò Viola, one of the oldest in the collection. The visit was concluded with a photo-session at the foot of the PETRONAS Twin Towers.

Andre and Juichi "cool-off" at the foot of the towers

Related: PETRONAS Toyota Team Tom's leaves "home" race lighter