About Alex Yoong
Alexander Charles Yoong Loong (Chinese: 熊龙; pinyin: Xióng Lóng; born 20 July 1976) is a Malaysian racing driver and broadcaster, who competed in Formula One at 18 Grands Prix from 2001 to 2002. Yoong remains the only Malaysian driver to compete in Formula One. Born in Kuala Lumpur to a Malaysian Chinese father and English mother, Yoong began his career in saloon cars before moving into the Proton one-make series. He later raced in single-seater cars where he won the Malaysian Championship in 1995. He moved into Formula Renault in 1996 with help from sponsors but finished outside the top-10. Yoong consulted his father, who believed his son would succeed in lower categories. Yoong decided to drive in Formula Three but dropped out in 1999 after withdrawal from his sponsors. He subsequently went into Formula 3000 and managed to improve despite a horrific crash at Spa-Francorchamps during the season. Yoong also raced in Formula Nippon where he achieved no success. Yoong became the first and, as of 2025, only Malaysian to race in Formula One with Minardi at the 2001 Italian Grand Prix and left the sport in 2002. Yoong had a less successful career in CART World Series but had improved in the Porsche Carrera Cup with a less successful foray into V8 Supercars. Yoong raced in A1 Grand Prix series between 2005 and 2008 and scored three victories. In between this, Yoong raced in the Le Mans 24 Hours. Yoong worked for Lotus Racing as head of driver development and is also a commentator for Fox Sports Asia. Yoong became the first and, as of 2024, only Malaysian to race in Formula One with Minardi at the 2001 Italian Grand Prix and left the sport in 2002. In an interview in 1999, Yoong states that he sees himself first as a Malaysian, then part Chinese and part English. With a Kawasaki 50cc motocross bike he got on his eighth birthday, Yoong first showed his talent at racing.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.