SECOND DAY OF 2016 WORLDSBK MALAYSIAN ROUND WELCOMES ENTHUSIASTIC LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL FANS
Sepang, 14 May 2016 - The second day of the 2016 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) Malaysian Round at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) received a good mix of local and international support. WorldSBK and World Supersport (WorldSSP) fans all watched in excitement as their favourite riders took to the track in the qualifying rounds. Riders contending for a win in the WorldSBK class include defending champion Jonathan Rea as well as Nicky Hayden and Chaz Davies, while Malaysian fan favourite Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin is participating in his first ever WorldSSP season.
Dato’ Razlan Razali, Chief Executive Officer of SIC, was pleased to see a good mix of motorsport enthusiasts from all over the world at Sepang. “It’s a great feeling to see many fans from near and far at the track, including fans of Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin. The electric atmosphere and work scope this weekend is a great learning experience for the students of Sunway University who are part of the Sunway Sepang Crew,” he said. Through SIC’s recent agreement with the Sunway Education Group, the students receive one-of-a-kind learning experiences helping out at SIC’s international race events in 2016.
Fans were given a treat by freestyle stunt rider Aaron Twite, as he entertained the fascinated crowd with tricks and manoeuvres on his bike. Spectators in the stands erupted in cheers at Twite’s stunts, with many giving the American a standing ovation at the end of his performance.
Fans at Sepang today came due to a variety of pull factors. Some are supporting their favourite riders, while others came to support their team of choice in the championship. Marcello from Italy said, “I am a big Ducati fan, and I like coming to the Sepang circuit,” He was here with his nine-year-old son, and when asked whether his son would one day also support Ducati, Marcello replied, “Of course!”
Malaysian fan Muhammad Supar Othman, 52, from Batu Pahat, Johor, took a four-hour drive with his family to attend this weekend’s event at Sepang. Mohammad Supar said, “My family and I left early from Johor to come to Sepang to enjoy the atmosphere. Today is special as we are also here to support our local hero Fahmi in his race.” He added, “My favourite rider is Jonathan Rea. I’m excited to be here to see him race again.”
An elderly couple from the United Kingdom, Ralph and Lisa, were at the Sepang circuit for the first time. “We really like Malaysia and especially being here at Sepang. The locals are warm and friendly,” Lisa said. Ralph, a loyal WorldSBK fan who supports Chaz Davies, said, “I must admit that I love Ducatis and have three Ducati bikes back home in the United Kingdom – that says it all.”
The WorldSBK also saw fans coming from the east. One such fan, Takako Mineda, 44, from Japan said, “This is my second time at Sepang and I’m glad to be here. My favourite rider is Markus Reiterberger, who is racing for Althea BMW Racing team.”
The final day of the 2016 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship Malaysian Round happens on 15 May 2016. To keep abreast with this weekend’s happening at the WorldSBK, follow SIC’s
Facebook page or log on to
www.sepangcircuit.com
-Ends-
For more information, please contact SIC National Press Officer Nor Lina Ayob at
norlina.ayob@sepangcircuit.com or
+603-8778 2280.