On the last weekend of August 2011, i had the privilege to be at Sepang International Circuit to get a taste of the newly launched Volkswagen Polo GTI!

It was early in the morning on the 27th of August 2011 where i reached Sepang at around 10.30+ AM. Registered myself and had a look at the schedule for the day before exploring the area.

While i was admiring the Polo GTI (with a few models) displayed in the closed area, a few bloggers who were there earlier are already testing the new model launched by Volkswagen a day earlier. After getting some refreshments, i went straight to the test drive area to join them.

Participants were given the choice of driving either a Volkswagen Golf GTI, Polo GTI or Scirocco. Having tried the Polo GTI & Scirocco earlier last year, i opted to try out the VW Polo GTI!

Well i’m not a car expert to comment about the Volkswagen Polo GTI from head to toe, but one thing i know, i loved it even more than the Volkswagen Polo i test-drived previously!! It’s much more stable and of course, much powerful!!

You could view the video below taken by Saimatkong/TianChad during their test-drive.

Upon knowing that we might get a chance to have a go on the track, we went back up to the hall to wait for the lucky draw of names.

Snapped a few more pictures before the names were announced. =D

At around 11.30PM, the names were displayed on the screen where Tian Chad, Huai Bin & Saimatkong were amongst the long list of names selected to drive a selection of VW vehicle of their choice on the track!

Went straight down to the track with them.

According to both Tian Chad and Saimatkong, the experience driving on the track was unforgettable and from their faces when they came back from the drive, it was clear that the both of them enjoyed it pretty much!

I skipped the 1st leg of the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup which happened later in the day due to personal commitments where the others stayed back. Had fun during the session and it’s nice being able to see so many Volkswagen vehicles at one time.

Wished i had one myself though. =X

Volkswagen Polo GTI
- Available in both 3-door & 5-door versions.
- Powered by a 1.41 180PS TSI twincharged direct petrol injection 4-cylinder engine + 7-speed direct shift gearbox DSG.
- Able to deliver 178 horsepower at 6.200 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 2.000 and 4.500 rpm.

For more information – http://www.volkswagen.com.my/

To those who missed the 1st leg of Scirocco R-Cup Malaysia at Sepang International Circuit, there’ll be another leg comin’ up soon. Details below :

2nd Leg of Scirocco R-Cup Malaysia at Sepang International Circuit
Date : 17-18 September 2011
Venue : Sepang Internation Circuit
For more information – http://www.sciroccocup.com.my/

For more pictures :
2011 August 27 Scirocco R-Cup Malaysia/ VW Polo GTI Launch @ SIC Facebook Album

The post Volkswagen Polo GTI & VW Scirocco R-Cup at Sepang International Circuit appeared first on JOSHUAONGYS.COM.

Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk Experience

It was one of the best weekends in 2011. The day is shining bright on a sunny morning in that specific Saturday 9 April 2011. 2011 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix is happening over the weekend and i was at Sepang F1 Circuit.

With much excitement waking up as well as driving there, i found myself at the Sepang F1 Circuit Welcome Centre early in the morning around 8.30am. Along with me are 4 others where we met up with 2 representatives from PROTON. PROTON’s presence at the Formula 1 is in support of Group Lotus sponsorship of the Lotus Renault GP team.

We were scheduled to enter the Paddock Club Area, one exclusive zone where hardcore F1 fans wants to be at!!

Having being introduced by our hostess of the morning – Anita Nyers, Liaison officer of Lotus Renault team, we were brought into the Paddock area through a shuttle van. Obtained the VIP passes which enable us to go pass the security system as well as giving us the access to the paddock.

The security in the area is pretty tight, security personnels only identify people with such passes and would chase off anyone without that pass. After some light refreshments in the Lotus Renault resting tent/area (filled with food & beverages, each car team have separate tent/area), we were given the Lotus Renault VIP Garage Access pass to get into their garage area. C O O L!!

Yes i’m acting like some small kid here but well, it’s really exciting! =D

The garage area is filled with all sorts of communication tools and devices. With technical machines involving F1 engineering expertise as well as all the screens, walkie-talkies, tyres & etc.

We were further brought out to the pit lane and explore around the area going from the first team to the last team. Some of the car teams were already having technical test as well as some practice sessions of changing tyres.

Had a few conversation on F1 absorbing the history of some teams as well as some elaborate information on everything about Formula 1 Grand Prix. It was all great but the hot sun above had me all sweating in just 10 minutes walking down the pit lane.

Took a group picture which marks the end of the session in the Paddock Club Area. Went out and headed to the Grand Stand area, stayed there for quite a while before calling it a day at Sepang F1 Circuit to head back and finish some personal business.

Race Day 10 April 2011 !!!

It was a gloomy afternoon, with slight hopes of raining, there was a short drizzle but the weather turned good after that. Had quite a problem finding parking where i have to resort to park at a place quite far and to get to my seats, i have to ride on the shuttle service being provided.

Entered the Grand Stand area with my ear plugs on enjoying the roaring of the F1 engines going around the track proves to be ONE awesome Sunday for me.

It was actually my first time going to a Formula 1 race to feel & experience the atmosphere there along with those monsters on the track. I really enjoyed the high decibels sound waves produced there!! With 56 laps on the Sepang F1 Circuit in 2 hours period, the constant vroommz = BEST!!

One of the downside of being there watching it with your own eyes is you can’t get a full picture of what’s happening in the race where you’ll only get to watch certain specific section of a track, however, the intense moments with the crowd on the live atmosphere there especially when I removed of my ear plugs at certain period within the race, that was just pure excitement!! =D

Had a picture of me myself. =D

The whole first hand Formula One experience which I just tasted really contributed to my awesome weekend and with that being said, THANKS to PROTON for everything!!

It was quite an experience, one that I would remember. =)

2011 FORMULA 1 PETRONAS MALAYSIA GRAND PRIX RESULTS
1 Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault
2 Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes
3 Nick Heidfeld Renault

On the other hand, Congratulations to Vettel, Button and Heidfeld on getting number 1,2,3 in the Malaysian Grand Prix 2011!!! =)

More pictures :

The post 2011 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix – Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk Experience & Race Day! appeared first on JOSHUAONGYS.COM.

This morning was one of the best morning i had in 2011 thus far!! The fact that i went to the garage for the car team Lotus Renault as well as the paddock area and etc. AWESOME!

The post Entering the Paddock Area @ Sepang F1 Circuit! appeared first on JOSHUAONGYS.COM.

To those who’re planning to drive there, do take note that you have to pay RM50 for parking over 3 days period. There’s no 1 day parking pass.

Oh and high-speed Wi-Fi internet will be available there as well!! Awesome =D
BIG thanks to Proton & Nuffnang!! =D

The post I’m GOING to 2011 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix! appeared first on JOSHUAONGYS.COM.