In June 2017, Porsche Asia Pacific launched the region-wide Licence to Thrill campaign in search of the 2017 Porsche Asia Pacific Driver of the Year. The response was unprecedented: more than 3,600 entrants from 13 countries across the region responded to the call to compete for the opportunity to win the title, and a fully sponsored trip to the Porsche Experience Centre in Los Angeles, USA.
At the final practical test at the Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia, 30 shortlisted competitors completed a series of unusual but exhilarating practical tests such as the Reverse Gymkhana, designed to push their limits and get pulses racing. Going down in history as the first-ever Porsche Asia Pacific Driver of the Year, Mohd Elyas Bin Zakaria from Malaysia won the inaugural title, demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skill on the track.
Commenting on his win, Mohd Elyas, said, “I’m very humbled to receive the award and to be the first Porsche Asia Pacific Driver of the Year. The challenges were unique and definitely one of a kind, stressful yet fun. This is definitely what Porsche is all about. Moving forward, I hope to see Licence to Thrill becoming an annual event on the Porsche calendar. Thank you and keep up the great work.”
The Licence to Thrill campaign is unlike any other in the automotive industry, representing Porsche’s desire to celebrate values such as skill, passion and flair, which are deeply embedded in the company’s DNA.
Results of the theory test
To stand a chance of winning, participants were first put through an online theory test to demonstrate their knowledge of Porsche. 86% of respondents knew that the first Porsche 911 model was launched in 1963, while nearly 80% were unaware that Ferdinand Porsche invented the first ever hybrid vehicle. Respondents from Singapore faired strongest answering 76% of questions correctly, closely followed by Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines on 73%. As a whole, participants from across all age groups were drawn to the unique challenge and opportunity presented by this campaign.
Key facts and figures:
• 3632 registrants from 13 markets across Asia Pacific
• 31 – average participant age
• 5/7 – average score
• Singapore – best performing country
Porsche Licence to Thrill – Cars
Models at this year’s event included: Panamera 4S, Panamera Turbo, 911 Carrera S, 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Targa 4S, 911 Turbo, 911 Turbo S, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Turbo, Turbo S, 718 Boxster, 718 Boxster S and Macan GTS.
