History-making launch for KL Minardi Asiatech.

In the first Formula One team launch ever staged in Malaysia, KL Minardi Asiatech today officially unveiled its 2002 Formula One challenger during a glittering programme in the Bunga Raya VIP complex at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The team's new colours were revealed after traditional lion dancers set the scene for Team Principal, Paul Stoddart, government ministers, Dato' Pandikar Amin (Minister in the Prime Minister's Department) and Dato' Hishammuddin Tun Hussein (Minister of Youth and Sports), Asiatech President, Dr John Gano, and drivers, Alex Yoong and Mark Webber, to pull back the cover on the KL Minardi Asiatech PS02.

Adding to the sense of occasion, the unique backdrop for today's announcement was one of European Aviation's newly acquired fleet of Boeing 747 aircraft, which flew in only hours before the launch with the car, drivers, and members of the race team on board. The official unveiling ceremony was followed by a press conference, at which the drivers and senior team personnel answered questions from assembled members of the Asian and international media.

"We arrive here in Malaysia with three new cars and several thousand kilometres of successful testing completed," commented Paul Stoddart.

"We have a new engine partner, in Asiatech, a new driver line-up, in the form of Alex Yong and Mark Webber, and supportive new partners, including title sponsor, 'Go KL', Magnum Corporation Berhad, Admiral, BSA and PC Suria.

"During 2001, we embarked on a five-year plan to increase the level of competitiveness of this team to a point where it can become a consistent contender for upper mid-grid places. Last year, we stabilised ourselves before the climb. In 2002, with a significantly improved package in all areas, we are set to take our first upward step."

The KL Minardi Asiatech team now flies to Melbourne, Australia, where Yoong and Webber will debut the purposeful, new PS02 chassis at the opening round of this year's FIA Formula One World Championship.