19 July 2010, BY Sepang International Circuits
While the successful Malaysian GP Wildcard Programme will continue, Malaysians may not see a second Malaysian competing alongside with GP125cc rider Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin at the upcoming Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit in October.
“There’s no question about us continuing the programme. It is a long term programme. Our problem for this year is simply because there’s no bike available either for us to rent or purchase for the programme,” said Razlan Razali, the Chief Executive Officer of Sepang International Circuit.
Razlan, who was joined by Ron Hogg of Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWRR), said that efforts to secure a GP125cc machine for the intended wildcard rider had been fruitless in view of plans by the series promoter to phase out the GP125cc championship.
“It’s already a known fact that Dorna would be replacing the GP125cc with the 450cc in a near future. Some say it’s happening next year; some say it will be in 2012. So, no teams is having an additional bikes with them … there’s simply no GP125cc bike available for us to rent or even to purchase,” said Ron, who was actually entrusted with the task to run this year’s wildcard programme.
Ron noted that TWMR has with them the Yamaha GP125cc bike that was originally used by Indonesian rider Doni Tata Pridata and then by Zulfahmi at the Malaysian GP last year, but pointed out that Malaysian riders should not compete at the Malaysian GP just for the sake of taking part and for exposure.
“It made no sense for us to let our guys to compete in that outdated machine. Zulfahmi had proven that we have the talent to compete with the best in the world. But, we need to do that in bike comparable to the other riders,” said Ron, who joined Razlan and some 60 media members at Hard Rock Café Kuala Lumpur to watch Zulfahmi live in action at the German Grand Prix.
On a difficult, damp Sachsenring track, the AirAsia Sepang International Circuit rider continued his commendable performance to score his second successive world championship point; after breaking the duck at Catalunyan Grand Prix.
The race started on a wet track, which saw Zulfahmi charging superbly to the front; putting himself in a superb 11th position at the end of the first lap. But, as the track began to dry out, Zulfahmi, who looked to be on intermediate tyres, lost some of its acceleration and finished the race in 15th place.
The race was won by Spanish sensation and championship leader Marc Marques, who scored his fifth consecutive win and clearly the overwhelming favourite for the world crown this season.
“I am happy for Zulfahmi that he scored his second world championship. But, I was actually even happier yesterday to see him qualifying in 20th. For Zulfahmi, every track is a new track and every race is a learning process. Clearly, he is learning quickly and adapting very well to the competition,” said Razlan.
Ron, on the other hand, said that Zulfahmi, who was competing in the novice class at the PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship last year, had again proved that Malaysia has the talent to compete in the world GP.
“We know that there are better and faster riders than Zulfahmi. We have the talent here in Malaysia to be there at the world GP,” Ron added.
In his comments, AirAsia CEO, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes praised Zulfahmi for his achievement; describing it as fantastic.
“We are so proud of him once again. It just goes to show how much he is learning, and improving at every race; he clearly has a long way to go. But, there are still a number of races left in the season and each track is new to him so he cannot lose his focus now. The Malaysia race is only around the corner and there will no doubt be a lot of pressure from the Malaysian public and media; this will not compare to the amount of pressure he will put on himself so he has to concentrate on just doing his best. But we are all there with him on this fantastic journey. Keep it up Fahmi!,” he said.
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