PanGlobal looking for future Malaysian F1 drivers.

PanGlobal Insurance, in association with Alex Yoong and Team Meritus Formula BMW, today launched the 'PanGlobal Alex Yoong F1 Driver Search' monthly go-kart challenge, beginning 6 March 2004, at the Elite Morac International Karting Circuit.

The PanGlobal Alex Yoong F1 Driver Search is a continuation of PanGlobal's support for motorsports and is in line with its new corporate branding, "PanGlobal Rocks!".

"This is also consistent with our efforts to increase the capture of the consumer segment market," according to PanGlobal Insurance Bhd's CEO, Edwin Wong.

"PanGlobal customers and members get to do all the cool stuff - auction for the latest gadgets from RM1 every week, get free passes to blockbuster movies, concerts, sporting events, gigs, etc. This month alone, they can get free passes to watch Stuck On You, attend robotics workshops with Sony and Lego, and of course, participate in the go-kart challenge."

Wong also explained that participants will be given an hour-long briefing before the race by Alex Yoong. On top of that, the three winners of the Grand Finals to be held at the end of the 10-round race programme on the 4 December 2004 will be given a test drive seat with Team Meritus Formula BMW and one of them will be selected to attend a Racing Course in Germany. This is subject to winners being eligible for race competition licences.

"We want to provide a platform for the country to discover the next Malaysian F1 driver," said Wong. "In line with this, the search is strictly opened only to enthusiasts who have not previously raced in any organised race."

Alex Yoong added: "This PanGlobal programme is going to be a real boost to all young racing enthusiasts and this couldn't have come at a better time as Malaysia needs to produce many more young racers into the international scene for our country to produce more future F1 drivers. We are sure that this long-term programme by PanGlobal will help Malaysia to achieve this."

The standard race package is RM100.00, but is free for Alex Yoong Motorsports Car Insurance policyholders. It includes an hour long Alex Yoong Workshop, entry into one monthly challenge and a free "PanGlobal Rocks" T-Shirt. Interested participants are advised to log on to www.panglobal.com.my to find out the details and race rules or call PanGlobal Insurance's Tengku Muneer at tengkumuneer@pgi.com.my or Christine Chai at christinechai@pgi.com.my, tel no. 03- 2078 2090.