After relatively little success in Formula Three, Formula 3000 and Formula Nippon, Yoong became the first Malaysian driver to compete in F1 at the 2001 Italian Grand Prix. He signed for Minardi thanks to sponsorship from the government-backed Magnum Corporation.
Webber totally outclassed his teammate, outqualifying him in every race and he was dropped at the end of the season with team boss Paul Stoddart threatening legal action for $1.5 million of unpaid sponsorship.
