GP2 Asia: Questnet invites Marco Bonanomi to meet the Malaysian racing fans 31.03.2009: Marco Bonanomi was the first driver from My Team Qi-Meritus.Mahara to reach Malaysia ahead of the fifth round of the GP2 Asia Season. Marco joined the launch of the racing week, the promotional event organised by QuestNet Malaysia at Amcorp Mall in Kuala

Marco Bonanomi was the first driver from My Team Qi-Meritus.Mahara to reach Malaysia ahead of the fifth round of the GP2 Asia Season. Marco joined the launch of the racing week, the promotional event organised by QuestNet Malaysia at Amcorp Mall in Kuala Lumpur. The event will allow lucky winners the chance to win premium prizes such as free grandstand tickets to come and watch the 2009 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit.

Marco Bonanomi was available to meet the Malaysian fans who wanted to have their photograph taken with him and the two grid girls of the MY Qi-Meritus.Mahara team around the team's red racing car. 24-year-old Porto-born Parente who has just returned from a testing session for his GP2 debut in Barcelona, topping both sessions will arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday to join the fans.

The promotion at Amcorp mall was filmed at length by ESPN Star Sports television broadcasting each GP Asia race.

Marco Bonanomi commented, "I came to Malaysia early as we drivers need to be quite fit and resistant to the high temperature and it always takes a while to acclimatise to the extreme temperatures. Before travelling to Malaysia, I worked very hard to prepare the race on the simulator with the engineers. The track is one of the best. I like the long fast corners as well as the medium sections and it's very specific layout. Out there on the track, the temperature makes it tough for the cars, the engines, the tyres
and the drivers as well. The track is demanding physically. We need to train strongly and work specifically on our neck, arms and breathing."

Marco Bonanomi continued: "Today, I am happy to chat in the shopping mall with the fans and to share my experience with the media at the team's home race! With the new rules in place this season, GP2 Asia is much closer to F1 than it was last year. The rules restricting the aerodynamic packages forces even our driving style closer to F1's."

Peter Thompson, team founder commented, "For the 2009 GP2 Asia Series Malaysian round, Questnet Malaysia and MY Qi-Meritus.Mahara have come together to organise a number of thrilling promotions for the fans in the week before our home race. Motorsport is all about the fans and sharing the experience and bringing them closer to the excitement and Questnet, the power behind My Qi-Meritus.Mahara has understood how to communicate best with fans around races."

The fifth round of the GP2 Asia 2008-2009 season will take place at Sepang International Circuit on 4-5 April 2009.


RACE PROGRAM / WEEKEND TIME TABLE

FRIDAY 3rd April 2009
08:30 - 9:15 SpeedCar Qualifying
09:30-11:30 FORMULA ONE -Track Inspection & 1st Practice Session
11:55-12:25 GP2 - Asia. Practice
13:05 13:50 Paddock Club - Pit Lane Walk
12:50- 13:20 Formula BMW Pacific
13:30-15:30 FORMULA ONE - Track Inspection & 2nd Practice Session
16:00 -16:30 GP2 - Asia. Qualifying


SATURDAY 4th April 2009
10:20-10:50 Paddock Club - Pit Lane Walk
10:30 12:00 FORMULA ONE - Track Inspection & 3rd Practice Session
12:25-13:10 Porsche Carrera Cup - Qualifying
13:15- 13:45 Paddock Club - Pit Lane Walk
14:00 15:00 GP2 - Asia
17:00 FORMULA ONE - QUALIFYING SESSION
18:00 Formula BMW Pacific


SUNDAY 5th April 2009
09:10-09:55 Speedcar - 2nd Race (Local Event)
10:20-10:50 Formula BMW - 2nd Race
11:10-12:45 GP2 Asia
14:25 -15:10 Paddock Club Pit Walk
15:30 F1 Drivers' Track Parade
15:45 Starting Grid Presentation
16:30 Pit Lane Open - F1 Cars Grid Formation
16:45 National Anthem
17:00 F1- Malaysia 2009 (56 laps or 120 minutes)



 - Agnes Carlier, Photos My Qi-Meritus.Mahara