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Wednesday September 30, 2009

Race is on between Elly and Zulfahmi for wildcard spot

By LIM TEIK HUAT

KUALA LUMPUR: It’s down to Elly Idzlianizar Ilias and Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin to get the wildcard to ride for the Malaysian 125cc team in the Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Sepang Circuit from Oct 23-25.

The 25-year-old Elly and 18-year-old Zulfahmi are the final two candidates shortlisted from the list of four hopefuls, who are all competing in the Malaysian Cub Prix Championships.

The other two were Mohd Iskandar Raduan and Mohd Farid Ahmad and they were selected last month from a list of 17 riders identified for the Malaysian wildcard programme, which is a collaboration between Sepang International Circuit, Motorsports Association of Malaysia, Automobile Association of Malaysia and Two Wheels Motor Racing.

Shahrol Yuzy, who was the last Malaysian to ride on the world stage seven years ago and is now the coach for the riders, said that the two candidates will take part in two days more of testing on the Yamaha bike on Oct 6 and 7 before a final decision is made.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will unveil the Malaysian team and the rider for the GP in Sepang the following day.

“There is not much difference between the two riders. Although Elly is the more experienced one, Zulfahmi is giving him a tough fight and he is physically strong as well,” said Shahrol, who last rode for Team Petronas Sprinta TVK in the 250cc class of the world motorcycle championship in 2002.

The Malaysian wildcard rider will be astride an Aprilia race bike provided by the full-time GP 125cc side, Ongetta ISPA, who are based in Italy.

The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chairman, Datuk Mokhzani Tun Mahathir, said that the penultimate round of a 17-leg championships this year in Malaysia would be more meaningful because of there would be a local interest again.

“The wildcard rider is finally turning into a reality after so many years without one. It is also going to be an exciting weekend as we have other interactive activities planned,” he said.

“You can also get a grandstand ticket from as low as RM30. It is about five Euros and I think you cannot get a better bargain in any other countries hosting the championships.”

Among the programmes planned for the fans are autograph-signing sessions, stunt shows, guided garage tours and special go-kart races with the riders.

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