THE final countdown has begun for the lone wild-card to ride for the Malaysian 125cc team in the Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix to be held at the Sepang Circuit from Oct 23-25.
Experienced rider Elly Idzlianizar Ilias, 25, will face off with raw talent 18-year-old Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin and both riders wait anxiously for Oct 12 when the results would be announced for that one and only slot.
In terms of track manoeuvres and their displays of speed on two wheels, there is not much difference between the two riders who were short-listed from a list of four hopefuls.
Both Elly and Zulfahmi were selected from the Malaysian Wild card programme comprising 16 participants, a programme in collaboration between the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Motor Association of Malaysia (MAM), Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) and Two Wheels Motor Racing.
I got my eye on you: Mohd Zulfahmi and Elly facing off for the final countdown on Oct 12. And whoever makes it would go on to create a history of sort as it would be the first time in more than 10 years that Malaysia is sending a wild card entry to this year’s MotoGP 125cc event although the country is playing host to this prestigious event for the 19th year.
Shahrol Yuzy, who is now Zulfahmi’s coach, was the last Malaysian to ride on the world stage for Team Petronas Sprinta TVK in the 250cc class of the world motorcycle championship in 2002.
Banting-born Zulfahmi who graduated from the junior grand prix programme two years ago and has only participated in local races, is not perturbed with the presence of his older competitor who has international experience under his belt.
“Let the best man win. We have both come this far but there can only be one winner although it would be great to compete in the international circuit,” said Zulhahmi who came under the tutelage of Shahrol last year.
The rider competed in two rounds in 2007 and had to withdraw as he faced financial difficulties. That was when he decided to approach Shahrol.
Shahrol took Zulhahmi under his wings and the rider went on to compete in 10 rounds in an Under-19 event last year and was placed 12th overall.
His best achievement thus far was a third placing effort in the 115cc motor racing event held in Kluang on April 3 this year and if Oct 12 turns out in his favour, Zulfahmi wants to be a Valentino Rossi in the making.
Meanwhile, Elly from Arau, is also mentally preparing himself for whatever the outcome.
The rider who fooled around on a 80cc kapchai in his younger days, is determined to make it big and is sending a clear message to his rival. After all, he has taken the chequered flag five times this year in the local circuit.
As a seasoned campaigner it will be interesting to find out if Elly is chosen over his raw rival Zulfahmi.
For both Elly and Zulfahmi, it would be a dream to race in one of Asia’s most prestigious championship in motorcycle racing which is also hailed as one of the most widely watched motorsports events with over 200 countries broadcasting it live on the same day and coverage delivered to 337 million households worldwide.
SIC chairman Datuk Mokhzani Tun Mahathir had said that the penultimate round of the 17-leg championships this year in Malaysia would be more meaningful because there would be a local interest again.
For the first time, Dorna (the exclusive holder of the commercial and TV rights of MotoGP) is providing SIC with exclusive starting grids passes where lucky fans will have the opportunity to be up close and personal with the riders before the race starts.
Tickets are priced at RM80 for the main grandstand and RM30 for the K1 grandstand, paddock village passes is RM2,000 for two days access with a complete set of hospitality.
The tickets are available at SIC ticket outlets in SIC, KL sentral, Kiosk in LCCT or visit the official website at www.sepangcircuit.com for more information.
No comments:
Post a Comment