Four hopeful riders.  Elly Idzlianizar Ilias, Md. Iskandar Raduan, Mohd. Farid Ahmad and
Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin with mentor and former 250cc MotoGP rider Shaharol Yuzy.
Photo courtesy by Sepang International Circuit.

18th September, Sepang – Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix which is schedule at the Sepang International Circuit from 23rd to 25th October will see a wildcard entry by Malaysian rider. Currently four young hopefuls, Elly Idzlianizar Ilias, Md. Iskandar Raduan, Mohd. Farid Ahmad and Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin are working hard to represent Malaysia for a spot in 125cc class. The former 250cc MotoGP rider, Shaharol Yuzy is in charge of passing his experience to the four young riders in the Malaysian Wildcard program.

The program started with 16 riders that are currently competing in a few local bike races like the Petronas Sprinta Malaysian Cub Prix Championship and two from the Malaysian Super Series Bikerz Mag 150cc Cup. According to Shaharol, he is confident that any of the four riders have the same chance in getting into MotoGP 125cc class race as a Wildcard entry. “They have the skills to ride as they are already racing but what we need to do here is to refine their skills and widen their scope to be able to ride side by side with the other riders,” said Shaharol.

 

Shaharol Yuzy. Former Malaysian bike racer and former 250cc MotoGP driver.
Photo courtesy by Sepang International Circuit.

Shaharol mentioned that the riders also need to experience a full race on the Sepang Circuit as to get accustomed to the demands of racing on it. Apart from the track sessions, the riders also have their fitness program with a fitness trainer to compliment the training. He added that initial plans were to send the boys for the second part of the training to Europe but because of some technicalities the program had to be done solely in Sepang.

“They already have clocked more than 1000km which is equivalent to most MotoGP rider’s training time pre season so that rider will know this track like the back of his hand by race time. Racing with the MotoGP riders is a whole different game compared to what these four riders have come across in their racing career here. When the MotoGP riders reach the Sepang round they will already be battle hardened as this will be their second last round of 17 circuits this year” said Shaharol.

“I’m happy that Sepang International Circuit and its partners had managed to organise this program and give Malaysian an opportunity to compete in the MotoGP. This is a massive achievement in our motorsports history, such program should have been organised a long time ago to inspire Malaysian riders to perform beyond their capabilities.”

The Wildcard is a collaboration of a few parties including Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and its partners in motorsports – Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), Automobile Association Malaysia (AAM), Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR) and Moto Millia.

MotoGP fans can expect once-in-a-lifetime experience programs planned such as concerts by famous Asian artists both local and international, children events, food fiesta, bike stunt competition and many more.

With ticket starting from RM30 for K1 Grandstand and RM80 for the main Grandstand. Add in another RM20 to the ticket and get exclusive MotoGP T-shirts and caps. Student tickets are RM40 for the main Grandstand and RM200 for the family package (two adults and two children under 12). Ticket holders will get a chance to win exclusive prizes including starting grid passes, team guided garage tour or go-kart races with the riders.

For latest news on MotoGP, log on to www.sepangcircuit.com for more info.