PETRONAS Lubricant International (PLI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of PETRONAS, today announced En De Liow from Malaysia, as the winner of their 2020 global search for a PETRONAS Trackside Fluid Engineer (PTFE).
Liow, 26, will now provide six-time FIA Formula One World Constructors’ Champions, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, with fluid-related support services throughout the twenty-two race championship season.
The second edition of the PTFE search required applicants to undergo competitive rounds that test their technical, interpersonal, communication skills and teamwork. Upon successful completion of the rigorous selection process, the automotive engineer impressed the judges during the final selection rounds. It concluded with an interview with PLI Group managing director and chief executive officer, Giuseppe D’Arrigo.
“Congratulations to En De for becoming our latest PETRONAS Trackside Fluid Engineer. As an organisation, we are passionate about investing in young talent for the innovative ideas they bring to the organization and to the development of high-end fluid technology for our partners and consumers. To be in the thick of Formula 1 action is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will enrich him professionally and personally, and we wish En De as well as the team all the best this championship season,” said D’Arrigo.
The role of the PTFE is to conduct on-site performance analysis of the fluids within the power units, as well as providing the team with real-time input related to the Mercedes-AMG F1 W11 EQ Performance’s mechanical parts. The PTFE team operates a compact lab for fluid-related service activities at races around the world.
“It is not often that you are presented with opportunities such as this and I am very grateful to be given this chance. Working in Formula 1 has been a life-long dream and I look forward to learning and growing with the team and giving my best throughout this new and incredible experience,” exclaimed En De, who will be working alongside last year’s PTFE search winner, Stephanie Travers.
“As we move into our second decade of partnership with PETRONAS, I am delighted to welcome En De Liow to the team as our new PETRONAS Trackside Fluid Engineer. The PETRONAS talent development programme has brought real benefit to our trackside provision, while our PTFE engineers have gained invaluable experience through their exposure to the fast-paced, driven world of F1. We are extremely grateful for the role that they have played and will continue to play in our success,” said Toto Wolff, team principal & CEO of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.
As Title partner, PETRONAS co-engineered PETRONAS Fluid Technology Solutions which includes PETRONAS Primax fuel, PETRONAS Syntium engine oil and PETRONAS Tutela functional fluids, in close collaboration with the technical team at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP).
For the 2020 season, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team is represented by six-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, backed by test drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Gutierrez.
Mercedes has become one of the most successful teams in recent Formula One history, sweeping consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2019.
PETRONAS has been a title sponsor of the Mercedes Formula One team since 2010.
