Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s sole representative in the Moto3 of the World Motorcycle GP, Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin, is revved up for the challenge with his Red Bull KTM Ajo team.
When the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) announced the entries for the 2013 season of the World Motorcycle Championships (MotoGP), the Malaysian sensation was listed as officially riding for the reigning world champions together with Spanish rider Luis Salom and Australia rider Arthur Sissis.
“Up to now, I can say that my bike is 90 percent ready but I am 100 percent ready to start the season,” he said after being treated by AirAsia, one of the sponsors, here, yesterday.
AirAsia had started sponsoring Zulfahmi, 21, from Banting, Selangor since his first appearance in the World Motorcycle GP back in 2009.
Zulfahmi who marked his best-ever season with a seventh placing on 128 points and highlighted by two career podium finishes and a first-ever pole position, last year, said his main focus was the Qatar Grand Prix at the Losail Circuit, from April 4 to 7.
“The first race is always important to all riders. For me, the first race will be very tough because we (team) are not familiar with each other. But I hope my machine will live up to expectation,” he said.
Zulfahmi returns to Spain yesterday to continue pre-season official training at the Jerez Circuit in Spain.
His pole position was earned at Sepang on his 21st birthday (Oct 20) and he was unlucky not to cap it with a win as he was beaten at the second last corner by German rider Sandra Cortese. — Bernama