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Tuesday October 27, 2009

World stage awaits Elly, Zulfahmi after their creditable outings

By LIM TEIK HUAT

KUALA LUMPUR: It is not the end of the Malaysian MotoGP wildcard programme but rather the beginning of bigger things to come.

Having seen Elly Idzlianizar Ilias and Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin holding their own against a top-class field in the 125cc race of the just concluded Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, the various parties are looking at having Malaysian riders featuring regularly on the world stage.

For a start, 18-year-old Zulfahmi has been offered a ride by Team Ongetta ISPA in the Spanish national championship, which will be held in Valencia at the end of next month.

In the Malaysian GP, Zulfahmi rode a less competitive Yamaha bike but managed to secure a 20th-place finish.

Top marks: Elly Idzlianizar Ilias in action during the 125cc event at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday. Inset: Elly finished in 16th spot

The Sepang International Circuit chief executive officer, Razlan Razali, said that they were contemplating sending Zulfahmi to compete in the Spanish championship, which is organised by Dorna, who are also the rights holders of the MotoGP.

If Zulfahmy makes the grade, he will become the first Malaysian to race a full season in the 125cc class of the world motorcycle championships next year.

“This is the most competitive 125cc class championships and the grooming ground for all riders, who aspire to go into MotoGP,” said Razlan.

“If Zulfahmi manages to qualify for championships, we will field him for a full season. He did very well for a rider who has just raced for two years and we have to first see how he fares outside Sepang.”

As for 25-year-old Elly, who finished a creditable 16th in a 33-rider start on Sunday, he is no longer eligible to compete in the 125cc class next year.

However, Elly can look forward to making a debut in Moto2 (four-stroke 600cc), which will replace the 250cc category in the world championships from next year.

“We have received proposals to consider Elly to race in Moto2. We may give him a wildcard ride in Sepang next year,” said Razlan, who added the Malaysian wildcard programme, which was first hatched six months ago, will be extended for at least the next two years.

“We will revamp the Malaysian Super Series and determine the winners to get wildcards for the Moto2 and 125cc class.”

Razlan was also delighted over the crowd attendance for the Malaysia GP this year.

The best-ever attendance of 59,026 spectators was recorded on Sunday to make it a total for the three-day proceedings to 102,255.

“The Malaysian participation after several years of absence helped us to get the crowd in. It was just fantastic to see all the covered stands filled with spectators,” he said.

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