Zulfahmi ready for debut in Qatar

Thursday, 01 April 2010

After a long pre-season in which he has adapted to European life and his new bike, the Malaysian rider is ready to take part in the 125cc class of the World Championship.

The start of the 125cc race at the 2010 CommercialBank Grand Prix of Qatar next week will present one of the most interesting debuts in the World Championship, when Muhammad Zulfahmi begins his first season in the category.
The new signing of the team led by Fiorenzo Caponera is the first Malaysian rider to take part since compatriot Shahrol Yuzi rode in the 250cc class from 2000-2002, and Zulfahmi’s adventure has already begun with his pre-season preparations in the Official Tests.
Competing with the backing of sponsors AirAsia and the Sepang International Circuit, the young rider has already displayed his enthusiasm and talent with a rapid progression in pre-season. Three weeks separated the first and third Tests – both at Jerez – and Zulfahmi shaved over three seconds off his best lap time to register a 1’50.763 earlier this week.
Zulfahmi assessed his own advancement by saying: “We’re making progress day by day, and I’m improving my lap times consistently.”
“In Qatar it will be difficult to be in the points, as it will be throughout the season, but I’m here to gain experience and this is the main aim,” concluded Zulfahmi, who will undoubtedly aim to better Yuzi’s best finish of eighth place at Catalunya once he has found his level in the World Championship.