KUALA LUMPUR: The FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series will make its debut next month as the world body and MotoGP rights holders Dorna look to standardise their 'Road to MotoGP' junior development efforts across the globe.
FIM have given the Motorsports Association Of Malaysia (MAM) the task of monitoring the event to ensure it is organised to the required standards.
ZK Racing will be running the event while the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is the main sponsor and venue provider.
Malaysia is one of 12 nations that will be running the event domestically. A total of four rounds — featuring eight races — will be organised, and the season starts next month.
Only Malaysians will be allowed to race in the FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series, a 160cc event for riders between 11 and 14. The winners will qualify for the FIM MiniGP World Series Finals at the end of the year.
MAM secretary-general Muizz Azli said the competition will help provide up-and-coming riders with a clear development pathway.
"We believe the FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series will provide continuity in the development of up-and-coming riders. It will allow them to progress to higher levels of competition such as the Asia Talent Cup (ATC), FIM CEV Series and subsequently MotoGP," said Muizz.
The introduction of the FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series means there will be a revamp to the domestic SIC MiniGP series.
The SIC MiniGP will drop the 160cc class race from their event.
SIC MiniGP's 110cc class event will now be known as the SIC Ohvale Junior Championship, which will serve as a support race for the FIM MiniGP event.