It's a dream come true, says Ning Baizura

KUALA LUMPUR March 9 - Self-confessed speed freak, singer Ning Baizura Hamzah says it was a dream come true for her to become Malaysia's first ever ambassador for the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix.

"I have always loved Formula One and I have always loved speed. So, I did not think even for one second when they offered me this job," said Ning, who was unveiled as the F1 Ambassador at the World's Hottest Race F1 Party in Bangsar, here last night.

"When my manager, Vernon (Kedit) told me about the offer, I just simply screamed and said `take it, take it'. I want it," said the 28-year-old Ning, who was born in Kajang, Selangor.

"I have never missed watching the F1 races in Sepang. Now, I got to see for free," said Ning, who broke into laughter as she related to media members on events leading to her appointment.

"It all happened very fast and the negotiations were short," Ning said in a statement issued by the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) here Sunday.

On a more serious note, Ning said the appointment come with a new responsibility for her.

"Naturally, I am proud as F1 is a national event as well as a national project. The appointment provides me the opportunity to serve the country in a way.

"But, if you ask me, the job of promoting this event should not just fall on a few people. I hope that the other singers, artistes and celebrities would also do their bit in supporting the event," said Ning, who had cut eight albums in her singing career that traced back 11 years ago.

As the appointed ambassador for the 2003 Petronas Malaysian GP, Ning, who spoke fluent English and Malay plus some Japanese, is being assigned to be the mouthpiece for the event and will support all promotion activities undertaken by the circuit.

Through Ning, SIC hope to create better awareness and instill greater interest among Malaysians especially her huge brigade of followers for the Petronas Malaysian GP.

"My priority now is to get my fans to buy tickets. So, to all my fans, why wait? Get your F1 tickets now," said the proud ambassador.