Minardi Unveil New Title Sponsor in Malaysia

The Minardi Formula One team unveiled their new title sponsor in a spectacular display in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

The team will now be known as KL Minardi Asiatech as they promote the city and country through a 'Go KL' logo that will adorn their black cars this season. The logo will incorporate the Kuala Lumpur city flag and will be on the sidepods and engine cover of the Minardi cars this season.

Team boss Paul Stoddart, who had already secured a sponsorship deal with Malaysian company Magnum Corporation Berhad and an engine deal with Asiatech, revealed further sponsor deals with BSA and Admiral. All three sponsors will have logos on the new car.

"As a Grand Prix team owner, it's perhaps not surprising to discover that I believe the sport offers a platform for creating global awareness that is second to none," said Minardi boss Paul Stoddart.

"In one way, the 'Go KL' emblem that our team will carry proudly to Formula One races this year is a symbol of Kuala Lumpur's desire to let the world know that it is the gateway to a fast-growing centre for tourism, sport, international commerce and the development of high-technology industries."

Minardi displayed their new livery in front of a 60,000 crowd in Kuala Lumpur, which included Malaysian deputy prime minister Dato Seri Dr Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, with sky-divers and fireworks providing a glitzy background.

The liveries were shown on the team's three two-seater F1 cars with Stoddart driving one alongside the team's Malaysian driver Alex Yoong and regular two-seater driver Rob Gray.

Minardi are expected to formally launch their team ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix on March 17, when they will have their second driver confirmed alongside Yoong. Briton Justin Wilson is fighting for the seat along with Australian and former Renault test driver Mark Webber.