Proton Bhd. through it's wholly owned subsidiary, Proton Marketing Sdn. Bhd. has confirmed their partnership with A1 Team Malaysia through a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the team's parent company A1 Grand Prix (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
A1 Team Malaysia has thus pulled off a major coup in being the first A1 Grand Prix team to introduce a motor manufacturer to the World Cup of Motorsport.
The sponsorship deal with Malaysia's national automotive manufacturer has been inked through until the end of the third A1 Grand Prix season till April 2008.
The revelation was made when guaranteed TV coverage worldwide was possible as it was when Alex Yoong guided the proud yellow A1 Team Malaysia car out of its pit garage for the start of the first qualifying session. The world saw through their TV sets the team's first qualifying run for the entire lap around the Durban street circuit of South Africa.
Proton Managing Director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tarir said that he saw sponsorship of the team as an excellent avenue for Proton to reach an international audience as well as participate in a recognised global motorsport series.
"The sponsorship will allow us to play our role in promoting Malaysia as well as the Proton brand to global spectators all year round," continued Syed Zainal. "At the same time, this sponsorship gives us access to valuable skills and experience in areas of professional race team logistics, support and promotion as well as management know-how. The partnership with A1 Team Malaysia, including the drivers, mechanics and supporting members adds value to Proton's core business and products."
A1 Team Principal Jack Cunningham said that he was delighted to be taking as the first step in the development of a long-term relationship that will encompass technical and branding opportunities.
"Our new partner Proton has had the vision to see the strength of the A1 Grand Prix platform and recognises the excellent branding opportunity that A1 Team Malaysia represents for Malaysian companies to reach an international audience," said Cunningham.
It was particularly fitting that the announcement was made here in South Africa, as this is one of Proton's new markets as they started selling their model range here only two months ago.
