Zulfahmi starts pre-season testing in Spain with new team

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NEW TEAM: Zulfahmi powers out of a corner during practice for the Moto3 class at the Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit in this Oct 19, 2012 file photo. — Bernama photo

SEPANG: The 2013 MotoGP season which revved up its pre-season tests at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) saw Malaysia’s Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin on a Red Bull KTM Ajo Racing outfit kick off his tests at the Almeria Circuit in Spain, Tuesday said SIC chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali.

“I myself was a little apprehensive as to how Fahmi (Zulfahmi) would start his pre-season tests there. But I am confident he will be able to put on a good show,” he told Bernama at the Sepang Circuit, here, yesterday.

Ahmad Razlan said he was still waiting for a report from Muhammad Zulfahmi and his team.

“I hope Fahmi will be able to make an impact with his new machine, especially when the championship starts,” he said.

The opening round of the new FIM MotoGP world championship will be the Qatar Grand Prix from April 5 to 7 while Malaysia will host Round 15 from Oct 11 to 13 at the Sepang Circuit.

Muhammad Zulfahmi who made his debut in the World Championship in 2009, closed the 2012 season in style by taking his second career podium at the Valencia Grand Prix after finishing third in a thrilling race which saw the Malaysian Moto3 rider and race winner Danny Kent winning their positions in a sensational man oeuvre on the final turn of the contest.

In collecting his second podium of the season and another 16 precious championship points, Zulfahmi, who scored his first podium at his home Grand Prix in Sepang, climbed to seventh in the Moto3 world standings with 128 points.

For his achievements, he received the 2012 Most Improved Rider award for Moto3 from the world championship organisers. — Bernama