The 1 Leading Race

Lewis Hamilton participating in The 1 Leading Race as a drummer

22 September, 2010

SINGAPORE – Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton today participated in a race that was poles apart from his usual. The race was powered by human might, not powerful engines; and it was on water, not on a grid. But behind the two races – Grand Prix and dragonboat – were the same key elements of teamwork and the drive to be the best.

    Today’s event was conceived as an opportunity for the children from lower-income families in the South West District to share in ExxonMobil’s activities surrounding the Singapore Grand Prix, and to have a chance to get up close with a Grand Prix driver.

    ExxonMobil’s Lubricants and Specialties business, under the Mobil 1 brand, also launched a scholarship to recognize and develop outstanding technical diploma students in ITE College West’s new automotive engineering programme. It is in line with ExxonMobil’s social and business priority to support initiatives that encourage students to take an active interest in careers in the Math and Science fields.

    Eric Carmichael, Asia-Pacific Marketing Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants and Specialties, said: “It is our hope that through the scholarship, the students will go on to make significant contributions in the area of automotive technology.”

    He added: “Mobil 1 – the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand – is not only at the forefront of the industry with its relentless drive for improvement, it has also been an integral part of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula One team since 1995. We use grand prix tracks as the ultimate proving ground to continually evolve our range of Mobil 1 motor oils and give motorists tangible benefits in the form of reduced engine wear, maximised performance and improved fuel economy.”

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is delighted to be supporting Mobil 1 in Singapore as part of our preparations for this weekend’s Grand Prix.  Our technology partnership with ExxonMobil is now in its 16^th year and has made direct contributions to our Championship successes. Through Mobil 1’s sponsorship, the team has also been able to contribute to the development of world champions like Lewis Hamilton. It’s great for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and our drivers to be able to give something back to the local community at the races that we participate in.”

Kwa Chong Seng, Chairman and Managing Director, ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, said: “Today’s event wouldn’t have been possible without the strong partnership between Mobil 1 and the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, as well as ExxonMobil’s ties with the South West Community Development Council. The children of today are the fuel of tomorrow’s economies. We hope that the 25 children who are spending the day with us and who will have the chance to interact with Lewis, will be inspired to dream big, and go on to achieve their dreams and to be the best of the best.”

About Mobil 1⁷

The world's leading synthetic motor oil brand, Mobil 1 features anti-wear technology that provides performance beyond conventional motor oils. This technology allows Mobil 1 to meet the toughest standards of car builders and to provide exceptional protection against engine wear under normal or even some of the most extreme conditions. Mobil 1 flows quickly in extreme temperatures to protect critical engine parts and is designed to maximize engine performance and help extend engine life. ExxonMobil, Mobil 1⁸ and the 1 Icon are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation⁹  or one of its subsidiaries.

About ExxonMobil in Singapore

ExxonMobil is one of Singapore’s largest foreign manufacturing investors with fixed asset investments of over US$7 billion. Its manufacturing facilities include refinery operations in Jurong and a world-scale petrochemical plant on Jurong Island.. ExxonMobil also has a network of Esso service stations and it is a major supplier of cylinder cooking gas.  ExxonMobil also serves the commercial market with its industrial, aviation and marine fuels and lubricants. As a corporation, ExxonMobil is committed to safe operations, making a positive, lasting impact on the community and environmental protection. In line with those strategies, ExxonMobil contributes to programmes in Singapore that support education, the arts, the community and the environment.

For more information, please visit www.exxonmobil.com.sg