Malaysia's Prime Minister visits Sauber Petronas.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Honourable Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad and his entourage visited the Sauber Petronas F1 headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland yesterday.

"The management and the 290 employees of Sauber Motorsport AG and Sauber Petronas Engineering AG are highly honoured by this visit that underlines the close ties with Malaysia and the excellent co-operation between Petronas and the Swiss Formula 1 Team," said Peter Sauber, the Sauber-Petronas Team Principal, expressing his delight about the recognition and appreciation that is demonstrated by the Prime Minister's visit.

The partnership between Petronas and the Sauber Formula 1 team began when the Malaysian oil and gas multinational sponsored the Team in 1995. In 2001 the Sauber Petronas Team achieved its most successful season ever by achieving fourth in the 2001 Formula 1 Constructors' Championship.

Apart from Formula 1 racing, the partnership has led to the establishment of the joint venture company Sauber Petronas Engineering AG (SPE) in which Petronas holds an equity of 40 per cent. Successful projects accomplished by SPE include the first Malaysian prototype commercial engine, the Petronas E01, and the first Malaysian motorcycle engine, the Petronas GP1.