PETALING JAYA: Leaving behind a cloud of smoke from burning tyres, Formula One legend Mika Hakkinen drove home the message “winners always stay in control” at the tarmac in the Skypark Terminal Subang.
The two-time F1 world champion demonstrated a series of precision driving techniques at the Johnnie Walker “Joint the Pact Never to Drink and Drive” campaign to members of the media who gathered at the Skypark Terminal on Thursday.
Hakkinen, the Johhnie Walker’s Responsible Drinking Ambassador, was in Kuala Lumpur to encourage more Malaysians to join the
online campaign that he helped launch in 2009.
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| Hakkinen smokes the tarmac in the SLS AMG. Below is Hakkinen with Lin. |
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Diageo Brands marketing director Victor ten Wolde said the pact was part of Johnnie Walker’s worldwide commitment to promote safe and responsible drinking.
“We hope having Hakkinen on board will help us to effectively bring the message to the people.
“In Malaysia, we have 120,000 fans on our Facebook page and we will continue to promote the message,” he said.
During a press conference before the demonstration, Hakkinen stressed the need to have a designated driver on a night out with friends.
“Choosing a designated driver is always the best option besides taking the public transportation.
“The designated driver should be discplined enough not to drink and I believe it is not very hard to do that,” he added.
Hakkinen went on to explain how alcohol affects the brain while driving, describing decisions made at the time as “unreal”.
“Timing is crucial and when we drink and drive, our reactions will definitely be slower.
“We will not be able to gauge distances accurately and on a public road it can endanger innocent lives,” he added.
Hakkinen, who lauded the Malaysian hospitality, said people were generally aware of the risks of drinking and driving and most governments around the world have campaigns to highlight the message.
He was grateful for the opportunity Johhnie Walker had given him to help spread the message as well.
The response he has received over the years advocating safe driving has been motivating.
Asian singer JJ Lin and several members of the media were given the rare opportunity to be passengers during Hakkinen’s feat.
As part of the campaign, Hakkinen and Lin joined The Black Circuit Great Britain at the Penang Turf Club on Aug 4 and made several public appearances in Penang. They met fans at G Hotel.
The Johnnie Walker Black Circuit Lounge VIP Race Party will make a return to Penang with a British edge, in conjunction with the London Olympics.