Intense Racing & Local Talents Take Centre Stage At Thrilling PETRONAS Grand Prix Of Malaysia

The 2024 PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia recently wrapped up, marking the end of an exciting, uplifting race weekend!

Hosted by PETRONAS, the annual racing event also coincided with the brand's 50th anniversary, making it extra meaningful, as the brand got to showcase its contribution to motorsport over the years.

True to the spirit of #SPEEDPHORIA, the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia didn't fail to entertain, with intense racing from the get go.

Thronged by thousands of motorsports fans from home and abroad, the main MotoGP? race was marked by high-octane action as Francesco Bagnaia snatched victory in a nail-biting race against points leader Jorge Martin, intensifying the title race with just one round left.

After a chaotic start with a Binder-Quartararo crash causing a restart, Bagnaia surged ahead, claiming his tenth win this season. Enea Bastianini and Alex Marquez joined him for a Ducati-dominated top four.

A dramatic crash from Marc Marquez while in third added more twists to a fiercely competitive showdown.

Throughout the event, PETRONAS provided high-octane racing fun with a selection of stage activities and hands-on challenges.

At the PETRONAS Pavilion, visitors were treated to a series of activities and racing experiences that coincided with the brand's 50th anniversary. These included engaging stage shows and contests featuring buskers, celebrities, and partners such as Hot FM, who invited attendees to get involved in fun activities with chances to win prizes.

There were also several experiential sections where guests could feel the thrills of
MotoGP? racing, such as a virtual racing corner that allowed participants to compete against each other, a racing training simulator, and a multi-touch game, among others.

At the heart of the Pavilion was an Infinity Centre that showcased how PETRONAS has been at the forefront of spurring on motorcycle racing development throughout the years.

The exhibit featured several panels that gave visitors a deeper understanding of PETRONAS' involvement at various stages of motorcycle racing development, from partnerships with leaders in the sport to development programmes for upcoming talents.

For example, PETRONAS is deeply committed to driving Malaysia's nation-building agenda through its support for grassroots motorsports and national talent development, which is most evident in its partnership with the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team, seen as a key contributor to Malaysia's motorsport ecosystem.

For 2024, the PETRONAS MIE Racing Honda Team unveiled two wildcard riders who joined the Moto2 lineup for the PETRONAS Grand Prix Of Malaysia:

Helmi Azman has displayed remarkable prowess in the 2024 Idemitsu FIM Asia Road Racing Championship, securing a top-five position in the Supersports 600cc class standings. His dedication and consistent performance throughout the season has highlighted his potential to be a leading figure in the sport.

Adding to this impressive roster is Khairul Idham Pawi, celebrated as the first Malaysian rider to clinch a Grand Prix victory in the Moto3? category with his wins at the Argentine and German Grands Prix in 2016. With Khairul selected to compete in Moto2, he marked an appearance at the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia.

This commitment to local talent is part of a broader legacy. Since its first motorsports sponsorship in 2003, PETRONAS has provided Malaysian riders various ways to develop their skills and compete internationally, with numerous racers benefiting in the process.

Beyond competition, PETRONAS is also advancing sustainable motorsport solutions, launching its PRIMAX Pro-Race M2 biofuel blend in 2024 to align with the green standards in Moto2? and Moto3?. This reflects PETRONAS' vision for a future where motorsports champion both talent and sustainability, something the brand actively pursues in each partnership and investment.?

Missed the race weekend? You can stay updated on PETRONAS' legacy in motorsports and development initiatives here.

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Cover image sourced from Mashable Southeast Asia.