Though the young rider crashed in the British MotoGP last week, Zulfahmi Khairuddin chose not to let the bout affect his dream.

Last weekend, the 18-year old rider from the AirAsia-SIC Team had to endure his first DNF at the Silverstone circuit when his motorbike suffered from mechanical glitch, forcing him to bow out of the British MotoGP with only five laps to go. His problem with the bike had shadowed him right from the very start, causing him to crash during the first practice session itself.

“It was very disappointing for my family and me. But I take it as a challenge, and I am not going to let it get to me. Being able to ride in the MotoGP is something I have been waiting for ever since I learned how to ride. For as long as I am able to ride, I will go on doing my very best so that someday, I will do my family and my country proud,” said Zulfahmi.

The 125cc rider from AirAsia-SIC team timed in at 1'47.026 during the first free practice session at the historic Circuit van Drenthe in Netherlands yesterday, the 23rd rider to reach the finish line.

He managed to improve on his time during the second practice session, timing in at 1'46.674, moving up to the 22nd position. His performance during the practice sessions bore hope that the mechanical problems the young rider had faced in Silverstone last week have been resolved.

SIC chief executive officer Razlan Razali said “Again, the objective of Fahmi racing for the first time in this circuit is to improve his times for each session, getting a good placing during the qualifying round is a bonus. Come race day, he will have the experience of racing in five rounds of MotoGP and I am sure he will use these experiences he gained to perform better at each race. It is all a learning experience for him this year, and expectations will be higher in 2011.”

AirAsia Group CEO Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes said, “It was unfortunate that Zulfahmi did not finish the race in Silverstone. He was having a good race, until he was forced out due to a mechanical glitch. Nevertheless, I’m sure it will not stop him from giving his best in Assen. He definitely has what it takes to make it at this level. This is evident from the time he clocked during first practice, and even better time at second practice. I wish him all the best with the race!

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