A DAY at Zoo Negara was Mohd Zulfahmi's choice for a day off yesterday as he reflected on missing out on his first podium finish in the World Motorcycle Grand Prix.
After his best ever result in the championship, sixth placing in the Moto3 class of the Grand Prix of Qatar last Sunday, the AirAsia-SIC-Ajo Motorsport rider knows there's more to be achieved this year.
"It was just a mistake on the last lap, and I'm still disappointed about that. It could so easily have been a podium there," said Zulfahmi, who was battling at between second and fourth position for much of that race.
There is work still to be done on his KTM machine before Zulfahmi believes he has what it takes to battle for victories.
"Right now, we're losing out a bit to the Hondas. They have a better chassis. So we need to work on improving the KTMs in that department," said Zulfahmi.
"Our bikes are still a bit nervous at corners, that's where we're losing out to the Hondas. But I believe it is just a matter of time before we find the solution to that."
Honda riders Maverick Vinales and Romano Fenati, both of Spain, took the top two spots in Qatar ahead of Red Bull-KTM's Sandro Cortese and Kalex KTM's Luis Salom.
Another Honda rider, Miguel Oliveira of Portugal, finished ahead of Zulfahmi, who was the second best KTM rider there.
"I still have to improve on my riding in race mode. There should be no more mistakes and I have to put together a solid ride from start to finish," said Zulfahmi.
The Spanish Grand Prix at the Jerez Circuit on April 27-29, will give Zulfahmi another opportunity to prove that he is now capable of challenging for victories.
After all, Jerez was where Zulfahmi discovered that he is backed by the equipment and the pace to be a front runner this season, having clocked consistent top five times in pre-season tests there.
"I would say a win will be achievable, but I want to first get myself on the podium. I have to achieve that first," said Zulfahmi.
"It will be back-to-back races in Jerez and then Estoril, Portugal the weekend after that. So, I will be looking to build and maintain some momentum."
- Harian Metro
- Berita Harian
- Business Times
- My Gadget Planet
- Travelific
- Harum
- Eats
- Properties
- News Image Bank (NIB)
- New Economic Model
- NST Reviews
- NiEXUS
- Friends of Travel Times
- Property News
- NSTLIVE Archive
- Spell-It-Right
