21 May 2010, BY Sepang International Circuits
FRANCE, May 21, 2010: Malaysian 12cc MotoGP rider, Zulfahmi Khairuddin is looking forward to his race in Le Mans, scheduled to go on this weekend.
“I’ve been training every single day, and I am hoping to improve on my time in Le Mans. “I really appreciate the support given to me by the Sepang International Circuit and AirAsia, and most definitely, the support given to me by Malaysians. It has been an honour to represent the country, and I hope that I will be able to perform better as the race goes on,” he said.
The France Grand Prix is the third round of the Grand Prix motorcycle racing season, to be held at the Bugatti Circuit in Le Mans, France. The 2010 Grand Prix de France takes place from May 21 to 23.
The weather condition at the circuit this weekend looks to be a little tricky, as the predictions hold that a wet race may not be entirely out of the question. At least one session – practice, qualifying or race - will be contested on a wet track.
Despite the weather predictions, AirAsia - SIC technical director, Alessandro Tognelli said he is quite confident in the team’s performance for the race.
"The guys are young, and everything is new for them, but they are doing well and progressing constantly. The weather can be a tricky factor, but it is something they have to learn to deal with".
The team’s main target is to continue in collecting valuable data and the young talents of team AirAsia-SIC, Zulfahmi and Sturla Fagerhaug will continue their journey, learning the ropes of the world championship.
AirAsia-SIC team principal, Fiorenzo Caponera said "I'm pleased with the progress done by Sturla and Zulfahmi. I do not want any pressure on them - what they must do is again learning the track, getting a good feeling with the bike and with their crew".
AirAsia Group CEO Dato’ Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes looks forward to a strong showing from the team in Le Mans, especially Fahmi who has shown constant progress since his first race in Qatar.
Fernandes said, “Fahmi is definitely showing positive progress since his first World Championship race in Qatar last month and with more experience on the track and bike, he will surely catch up with his competitors in no time. And to race for a team with lots of track experience will enable Fahmi to quickly develop fundamental race temperament, which is essential to achieve on-track success. We are so proud of him, and we are confident that he will do his best for himself and the team!”
After Le Mans, the next stop will be the Gran Premio D’ Italia in Mugello, Italy on 4 – 6 June 2010. The highly anticipated British Grand Prix will come next after Italy on 18 – 20 June 2010. MotoGP fans will be keen to see how the race machines will fare on the newly reconfigured Silverstone Circuit. AirAsia is the proud title sponsor of the 2010 AirAsia British Grand Prix at Silverstone, bringing back MotoGP to the circuit after 24 years away.
AirAsia partners Sepang International Circuit in forming Team AirAsia-Sepang International Circuit, to showcase Asean talents on the world stage. The team believes Asean has a lot of untapped motorsport talents, but limited opportunities are available to help them shine. This joint effort hopes to provide the platform for these talents to unleash their potential.
AirAsia’s sponsorship is set to deliver added verve to the sport by lending its successful, innovative and passionate traits. Moreover, as a fast-rising global brand, the airline’s association with MotoGP is expected to stir further interest in the sport not just among motor sport fans but the wider community throughout Asia.
For more details contact:
Sepang International Circuit
Norlina Ayob
+60193174555 / norlina.ayob@sepangcircuit.com
Nurris Ishak
nurris.ishak@sepangcircuit.com.my.
AirAsia
Kate McCleary
katherinemccleary@airasia.com
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