No more Z4M coupes for Petronas Syntium Team in 2011's MME race next weekend. Set to return to Malaysia's largest homegrown race event this year with a new line-up, the team will now be more competitive than ever with their decision to run the Merc SLS AMG GT3 cars bearing numbers 28 and 15. The team's decision to move from BMW to Mercedes also marks the entry of a new brand for the first time, to the grueling 12hr race.
Pictures: Fariqe Hairuman
SLS GT3 Car No. 28
Leading the 2 car team is SLS GT3 car No. 28 driven by 28 year old Fariqe Hairuman, a Johorian who has been with the Team for over a decade through the humble beginnings of Asian Touring Car racing. Fariqe Will race in the MME for the 10th time this year and shall add a substantial dose of advantage to Petronas Syntium Team. He will be joined by his Super Taikyu team-mate Tatsuya Kataoka from Japan. Adding to the Team's advantage is 5 times DTM champ and Mercedes Benz brand ambassador Bernd Schneider from Germany.
SLS GT3 Car No. 15
The leading car will be matched by SLS GT3 Car No. 15's Japanese duo, being their 4th appearance at the MMER commands an experience to be reckoned with. Masataka Yanagida and JDM Idol, Nobuteru Taniguchi will be accompanied by Malaysian rising star Dominic Ang, a race karter at tender age of 10 is now a 22 year old professional race car driver for Petronas Syntium Team. A well made judgement from the Team this year as this Trio currently top the standings 2011's Super Taikyu Endurance Series.
David Wong, Team Principal, PETRONAS Syntium Team:
“This year we’re returning to our “home” competition with a renewed vigour and a different level of excitement. Not only is the Merdeka Millennium Endurance race a really special occasion for the team; it is also a homecoming for us. We are returning to bring the challenge in the GT class with a brand new marquee to the competition. We are extremely excited to be introducing our brand new Mercedes-Benz SLS GT3 cars to the MMER this year!
As for the drivers, Fariqe Hairuman returns leading the challenge with his Super Taikyu Endurance Series teammates – Tatsuya Kataoka, Masataka Yanagida, Nobuteru Taniguchi and fellow Malaysian Dominic Ang and will be joined by guest driver Bernd Schneider. Having Bernd on board with his wealth of race experience as well as being one of the development drivers for the Mercedes SLS GT3 development program is a definite boost to our team’s preparation!
Combined with the talent and experience of the 6 drivers, the 2011 edition has the makings of being a mouth-watering affair for both the competitors and the fans!”
Selected driver quotes:
Fariqe Hairuman (MAS), Mercedes-Benz SLS GT3, #28
“Racing back in what I call my ‘home’ race is always extremely special for me, especially as I spend the bulk of my time competing in Japan. Despite it being my 10th MME, every year is special. One goes through so many different emotions in every race, from highs to lows in an instant! I am definitely looking forward to the competition this year, as we will be coming to Sepang with a brand new car! In addition to looking forward to working with someone like Bernd Schneider, I honestly cannot wait to drive the new Mercedes-Benz SLS GT3 car!”
Dominic Ang (MAS), Mercedes-Benz SLS GT3, #15
“Although this is not my first MMER as I have competed before, I am really looking forward to this race as this is my first MMER with the PETRONAS Syntium Team! I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to fly the team’s colours here, in front of our home crowd. That coupled with the fact that my teammates and I are all coming here with the newest member to the team – the Mercedes-Benz SLS GT3! For sure there is pressure, but I prefer to take everything in my stride, take the cue from my more experienced teammates and use every opportunity that comes my way to learn as much as I can.”
Organised by the Sepang International Circuit, the 11th edition of the 12-hour Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race will be flagged off at the stroke of midday on Sunday 17th September finishing twelve hours later at midnight. Readers will also be able to read the hourly updates of the race online at motorsports @ PETRONAS - Home and at PETRONAS Motorsports (@PET_Motorsports) on Twitter
Videos of the SLS GT3 Race Car base
All New Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 Race Car Montage - YouTube
SLS AMG GT3 Walk-Around - YouTube
