Foggy thrills F1 fans at Sepang.

Carl Fogarty made a surprise return to the track at Malaysia yesterday, when he performed demonstration laps on the FP1 Superbike - just one hour before the start of the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix [pictured].

"It was really great to show off the FP1 in Malaysia - it's not often you get to do that at such a high profile event," said Foggy, who made the appearance at the request of Malaysian sponsors Petronas. "There is just so much interest in the bike and the team from everyone here including media and the teams. All the Formula One crews were out on the pit wall and there were a lot of spectators around the track watching.

"I really enjoyed taking the bike out," added Carl. "Although I rode a few laps here during our team's test in January, I was a bit nervous as I don't know the Sepang track at all so I had to mainly concentrate on where that was going. But the idea wasn't to go too fast anyway, but let everyone get a good look at the FP1.

"I was also more comfortable on the bike this time as we changed the bars and footrests more for my set-up, but I have never known heat like this to ride in!" concluded the four times World Champion.

Following his outing, Foggy - accompanied by wife Michaela - visited the Sauber hospitality area overlooking the pit lane for the start of the Grand Prix, then met the Malaysian Prime Minister and President of Petronas.

"Carl running demo laps was a great addition to the day," one F1 team member commented. "The bike looks awesome and what Foggy Petronas Racing have achieved in such a short space of time is incredible."

Foggy now heads to Australia for this weekend's second round of the World Superbike championship, where he will be hoping his riders' Troy Corser and James Haydon can repeat their impressive performances at the Valencia season opener.