SEPANG: With much at stake for the riders, project leader Zulfahmi Khairuddin has assured that there will be no biased judgement for the Impian ke MotoGP selections at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this weekend.
Zulfahmi said selection will be done in a fair and transparent manner where riders will be evaluated based on their lap times, riding technique as well as their physique and fitness levels.
A total of 40 riders, between the ages of 13 to 15, have been shortlisted for selection from over 300 eager hopefuls who had applied.
The top two riders selected will compete for a full-season this year in the CEV Moto3 World Junior Championships, Asia Road Racing Championships (ARRC) and Malaysia Superbike Championship, all fully sponsored by SIC. The riders who rank third to fifth will be sent to compete in the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship.
"Yes, I do know a few of the riders (among the 40 shortlisted). It is inevitable as the motorsports industry in Malaysia is quite small," said Zulfahmi, who heads the selection panel together with former ARRC rider Ahmad Zamani Baharudin.
"However, I guarantee there will not be any biased judging. I am willing to show everyone that we are fair in the selection of riders.
"We have a clear idea of what we are looking for.
"Riders will be judged on their lap times, riding styles and also fitness. An experienced rider will know a fast rider when he sees one."
Zulfahmi, a former Moto3 and World Superbike Championship (WSBK) Supersport rider, added that he is hoping to see some good talent coming through.
"The reason SIC is carrying out this programme is to produce a constant supply of talent to come up through the ranks.
"At the moment we do not have anyone to replace Adam Norrodin in Moto3 when he moves up to Moto2.
"I feel both nervous and excited to do this project."
Zulfahmi competed for Orelac Racing in WSBK during the 2016-2017 season. He, however, has not completely hung up his racing suit as he will be competing in ARRC later this year.