FOLLOWING the success of its inaugural Porsche Media Driving Academy (MDA), Porsche Asia Pacific organised the second iteration of the MDA last month.
Jointly organised with Sime Darby Auto Performance, which is the official importer of Porsche cars in Malaysia, the MDA ran from Nov 13 to 16 at the Sepang International Circuit, home of the Malaysian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The MDA allowed participants to experience the maximum performance of Porsche cars through consecutive courses designed to sharpen the driving skills of journalists.
With an emphasis on Porsche’s technology transfer from motorsports to its road cars, the event offered the opportunity to experience the full breadth and versatility of Porsche models from everyday sports cars to street-legal race cars.
Porsche models included the 911, 718 Boxster S, Cayenne and Macan. Porsche showcased the complete current model range except for the Panamera as the new generation will make its arrival in the region very shortly.
Journalists from the region joined one of the three MDA performance courses: Individual, Professional or Elite.
In each course, Porsche certified instructors provided expert guidance and professional tips. Making an appearance this year was top racing driver Earl Bamber, who worked directly with Professional and Elite course participants, sharing his years of track driving experience to give them a taste of the life of a Le Mans driver.
Journalists were also given in-depth classroom theory lessons and workshops, including a unique motorsports conditioning regime for higher courses usually reserved for the highest calibre of race drivers.
At the end of the course, they received official certification that recognised the qualification attained at the MDA.
“The Sepang International Circuit provides a safe and controlled environment for drivers to break free from their usual driving routine and shift the gears up a notch. More importantly, the Media Driving Academy brings the Porsche experience from showroom to tarmac to highlight the technological innovation of our cars,” said Martin Limpert, managing director of Porsche Asia Pacific.