BONANOMI HEATS UP AMCORP MALL

The Italian, who joined the Malaysian team in January when Malaysia’s only Formula 1 driver Alex Yoong had to withdraw due to business commitments, said he was amazed by the interest shown in the team by the general public.
 
“I know we are only supposed to meet the fans and sign some autographs tomorrow but when I dropped by the mall today to pose for some pictures for the sponsors, I was taken back by the amount of requests for autographs. Many also wanted to take pictures with me,” said the 24-year-old driver.
 
“It was indeed a great feeling as this shows the Malaysian public are 100% behind the team. I knew we had great support from Malaysians, but this was over whelming. I will do my very best not to let them down when I race this weekend.
 
“Like I said earlier, I was inspired when Malaysian Prime Minister (Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) took time out from his busy schedule to hand over the national flag to the team boss (Firhat Mokhzani).
 
“It meant so much to the team that the country’s leader expressed an interest in the team and we are fired up to get on the podium this weekend.”
 
Besides Bonanomi, the other My Qi Meritus.Mahara driver is Alvaro Parente, who arrived late last night after topping the testing session for the European GP2 season.
 
“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to drive again for My Team Qi Meritus.Mahara at their home race. I last drove on the Malaysian track in 2005 in the first season of A1GP. I have a record to set straight after a flat tyre ruined my strong race then,” said Parente.
 
“After Doha, I felt good physically even if I could feel in my bones that I had not driven for a long time. In Barcelona, my results showed how great I was feeling to be back behind the wheel. I look forward to racing in Malaysia and hopefully, we can get on the podium.”