Thursday March 14, 2013
Zulfahmi gets AirAsia support again
By LIM TEIK HUAT
Zulfahmi Khairuddin posing with AirAsia CEO Aireen Omar (second from left) and her two staff members yesterday. — S.S. KANESAN / The Star KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia will continue to support Malaysian motorcycling sensation Zulfahmi Khairuddin in his campaign in the Moto3 category of the world championship for this year.
It is the fourth year of sponsorship from AirAsia who have backed the 21-year-old since his debut race at the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2009 through the wildcard programme.
And heartened by the support, the Banting-born rider has declared his intention to fight for the world championship crown if things fall his way.
Zulfahmi will be racing in the Red Bull KTM Ajo team together with Spaniard Luis Salom and Arthur Sissis of Australia when the season starts at the Losail Circuit in Qatar on April 4-7.
“Nothing is impossible for me,” he said, when asked whether it is possible for him to start winning races and fight for the world title in his fourth full season.
“It was a great season last year as I scored two podium finishes and I hope things get even better this year. I had a good bike last year and was able to fight for the top 10 easily. My goal is to be pushing 110% for every race this year and go faster than before.
“It will be harder than last year because many riders have got used to riding Moto3 bikes. Everyone was still learning last year as it was still new. But I am confident I have good support and I am confident I can fight for at least a top five overall finish and maybe even the world title.
“I am working hard to improve my fitness as it will be a long championship (18 races),” said Zulfahmi, who will be leaving for pre-season testing in Jerez later this month.
Zulfahmi made history last year as the first Malaysian rider to win a pole position and mounted the podium twice.
He finished seventh overall on 128 points last year.
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