Kuala Lumpur to Back Minardi in 2002

The Minardi Formula One team, who signed Malaysian Alex Yoong as one of their drivers this year, will have the city of Kuala Lumpur as their title sponsor in 2002.

Minardi principal Paul Stoddart said on Saturday that the team will be registered officially as KL Minardi Asiatech, with the new image to be unveiled in the Malaysian capital next month.

The team's new PS02 car, powered by an Asiatech engine, is likely to be launched in February.

Stoddart, together with Youth and Sports Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, had a 10-minute meeting with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad at his office on Saturday.

"This is the next stage in our strategy to promote Malaysia to the world," the prime minister was quoted as saying in a later team statement.

"We have enjoyed marked success in building the awareness and image of our country through various racing-related programmes since 1995.

"Now we are turning to motorsport again to assist in direct development of inward investment by creating a platform for Malaysian companies, destinations and events to reach potential customers around the world."

Malaysian oil company Petronas sponsors Sauber in Formula One team and is planning a world superbike team run by former champion Carl Fogarty. Proton back a motorcycle grand prix team run by former champion Kenny Roberts senior.

Stoddart, an Australian who bought the Italian team this year and ran his cars in the livery of his own European Aviation concern, confirmed that Malaysia's first F1 driver Alex Yoong would continue next year.

Stoddart said the team would also help Malaysia identify and develop local talents to be F1 drivers.

"We will work on a four-year programme to share equal opportunities for kids of tomorrow to see their talents in F1. Perhaps now they don't have a chance but we will have a programme to see that they are given a chance," he said.

Stoddart said Yoong, who had three races last season with Minardi, had been undergoing a special physical fitness training programme and would be more prepared to face the new season.