Reality grounds grand plan

2009/11/08

By Arnaz M. Khairularnaz@nstp.com.my

PLANS for a Malaysian team competing full season in the World Motorcycle Championship next year are set to be put on hold despite AirAsia's pledge of funding.

But efforts are now centred around promising 18-year-old Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin, who could land himself a full season ride with the Ongetta-ISPA team in the 125cc World Championship.

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Razlan Razali, who is in Valencia, Spain completing negotiations over the deal, said the decision is based more on the reality of the situation.

"We're not ready to have a team competing in the full season yet. The best option for us now, is to get Zulfahmi a ride with the team," said Razlan, when contacted.

Zulfahmi and Elly Idzlianizar Ilias competed as wildcards, riding for the composite Air Asia-Malaysia 125GP team, in the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix last month.

On board an outdated Yamaha machine, Zulfahmi finished an impressive 20th out of 33 riders while Elly was 16th, riding an Aprilia.

Following those impressive results, AirAsia chief executive officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes gave a commitment that the airline would be ready to support an effort towards having a full-fledged Malaysian team in the World Championships as early as next year.

"We must look at the reality of where we are and not rush. We are finalising the details to bring Zulfahmi to Spain to compete in the final round of the Spanish 125cc Championship next week," said Razlan.

"For that, a bike is ready for him. And if all goes well, a bike with the team will be ready for him next season. It would be better than to rush into having a full season team.

"This way, he'll have a year to learn, then show some progress the following year, then in three years we can see whether we have a rider who is good enough."

The SIC, Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM), Two Wheels Motor Racing Sdn Berhad (TWMR), Moto Millia Sdn Berhad, Yamaha and Dunlop had collaborated to make the wildcard programme a reality.

However, the plans for a group of Malaysian riders to ride as wildcards in several rounds of the World Championship next year, apart from the Malaysian Grand Prix, is still on.