Let me give you some context, then you make the call.
December 2008, Honda pulled out from the F1.
“Honda must protect its core business activities and secure the long term as widespread uncertainties in the economics around the globe continue to mount,” said Honda president Takeo Fukui.
July 2009, BMW announced that it will withdraw from formula one at the end of the 2009 season.
“We are continually reviewing all projects and initiatives to check them for future viability and sustainability,” said CEO of BMW AG Dr Norbert Reithofer.
And today, Toyota confirmed that it is pulling out of F1 after posting its worst financial loss.
Toyota president Akio Toyoda said the Japanese team had no option but to pull out citing “the current severe economic realities” affecting the world.
Back here in Malaysia, the PM Najib Tun Razak recently announced that the 1Malaysia F1 Team, a joint venture between the Government and private sector, will participate in the F1 race beginning next year.
My jaw nearly dropped when I read that, but, that’s not about it.
Today, Lotus F1 Racing team’s newly-appointed chief operating officer Keith Saunt said he personally would like to see a win by then and for the 1Malaysia team to start challenging for the title in five years time!
When the worldwide prestige car manufactures are rushing to pull out from F1 due to it’s sky-high expenditure, our Government is so determined to create (or rather dream of when only the lousy teams competing against each others) a phenomenon achievement with our 1Malaysia F1 team?
What kind of freaking wet dream is this and God knows whether taxpayers money is at stake, albeit denial from the officials?
Talk about putting focus on the wrong priority and we’re always ahead of the crowd, anytime, anywhere.
No wonder my Singaporean friends were laughing with me, then laughed at me.
To be honest, it was quite a moment, notwithstanding the conversation culminated in a downright embarrassing climax.
Now, you make the call.
Related posts:
I wonder who will be laughing 5 years from now?
Remember the Sepang F1 Racing Circuit? Singapore were not interested earlier but now admitted that it was a good move by Malaysia and even build one themselves albeit a city circuit.
Just how the publicity of F1 has benefitted Malaysian tourism and add prestige to the Petronas brand name, the 1 Malaysia shall further enhance Malaysia’s visibility on the world map. We only have to take advantage of the increased visibililty.
1 Malaysia,
Building a racing circuit was a great move. Maintaining an F1 team is another matter. What sort of publicity will it bring to the country if the team is a losing team? Which sells better? Minardi (which pulled out from F1 ages ago) or Ferrari?
If it is aiming to achieve highest level of publicity. Co-own Brawn’s F1 team. That’s if he’s willing to do so. :D