Yoong pops up to help singers to victory.

Malaysian Formula One driver Alex Yoong cast away his racing helmet for a pair of soccer boots this week, when he appeared alongside Irish boy band Westlife in a charity match.

Singing stars Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Shane Filan, Mark Feehily and Bryan McFadden welcomed their newest recruit when they turned out against the Malaysian Rockers United team, which comprised members of the Malaysian rock groups community.

The Westlife team beat the Rockers 7-1 in a full 90-minute game, which was part of a new album launch programme dubbed the Westlife Showcase and Soccer Extravaganza. Not only were the fans entertained to a concert by Westlife and local Malaysian groups and stars, but they also went home very satisfied having witnessed an exciting game and done their bit for the National Cancer Society of Malaysia.

The match was well worth watching, and the score belies the close competition the two teams offered. The Rockers were not lacking in skills and only lost out in the stamina and running department.

Yoong, wearing a shirt bearing his Minardi race number of 22, was officially placed as the left wing but played more of a sweeper role and distributed the ball well all night. He contributed to the making of two of the seven Westlife goals, but was considerate enough to keep out of the band's album launch activities and publicity. Instead, he did manage to meet his fans at his sponsor's LIVITA stands and signed a whole load of autographs and had plenty of photos taken with his fans.

"It was a good night, with lots of excitement, and it was great how everyone came together for a good cause," Yoong said, "It's been awhile since I played a full game and enjoyed myself thoroughly tonight. It was also great to meet up with some of my fans."

About 30,000 fans turned out in the grand 60,000 seat Bukit Jalil Stadium which hosted the 1998 Commonwealth Games. BMG Malaysia, the local arm of Westlife's recording label, organised the event in conjunction with MAKNA.