Martin Reiss thinks the Philippines should invest in F1

Formula One is regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport, it is where the top manufacturers and drivers in the world compete in different countries. Amidst the racing action is a whole world of opportunities like tourism and business investments. The world of F1 does not simply start and end on the racetrack. Our ASEAN neighbors have certainly realized this and have started their initiatives, while other have are starting to get their feet wet.

“The Philippines certainly does advertising abroad, so why not invest in Formula One? Countries like Malaysia have spend a lot of money which has resulted in huge returns. Formula One creates a lot of emotion across the world. It’s like an embassy on wheels,” said Martin Reiss, Business Development Head of the Lotus F1 Team.

In the Philippines, the sports of boxing and basketball are the popular sports; recently soccer has increased its presence with the Azkals. Boxing has put the country in the International sporting map with the success of Manny Pacquiao, but it does not generate the right amount of attention for business in the country like how motorsport does. With Marlon Stockinger representing the Philippines, the team sees a huge growth potential for not just F1, but the whole motorsport scene in the country for years to come.

The Manila Speedshow will be the perfect avenue for Filipinos to truly experience motorsports right on Philippine soil. Starting with an actual Formula One car demo where Stockinger will drive a Lotus F1 car at the Quirino Grandstand and Mall of Asia. The F1 demo will be supported by a motorcycle stunt show, drift demo, race car parade and a Philippine karting champions parade featuring drivers who raced with Stockinger in the early part of his career.