BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian energy firm Petronas is eager to involve more Chinese nationals within Formula 1, encouraging aspiring engineers to "put China on the map."

The state-owned oil and gas giant is currently accepting applications from around the world for its annual Trackside Fluid Engineer program, with the chosen candidate set to provide onsite technical support for the championship-winning Mercedes team during the 2020 F1 season.

According to Giuseppe D'Arrigo, CEO of Petronas Lubricants International, having a trackside engineer from China would neatly complement the company's existing presence and long-term investment in Asia's largest economy.

"China is Petronas' fourth largest market, and Petronas brands are now available at more than 25,000 retail outlets across the country," D'Arrigo told Xinhua. "We also have four state-of-the-art blending plants in Shandong, Chongqing, Beihai and Dalian, and a world-class R&T center in Nanning."

The Italian added, "Having a Chinese national working trackside could attract more younger fans and viewers, or raise interest in career possibilities in Formula 1."

Despite China having hosted a round of the Formula 1 World Championship every year since 2004, Chinese involvement in the sport elsewhere remains limited, with no F1 team ever having had a race driver, engine supplier or title sponsor hailing from the country.

Aspiring F1 employees from China are also often stymied by Britain's work visa regulations, with the Home Office enforcing strict quotas and minimum wage requirements on companies seeking to employ non-EU citizens. But as D'Arrigo noted, the global nature of Petronas' search opens doors to Chinese applicants that may be shut elsewhere.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity open to qualified candidates from around the world. Seize this chance to put China on the map and be part of the action in the highest motorsport championship there is." Enditem

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