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SIC Dreams Of A Malaysian MotoGP Team On The Grid

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- After hosting the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) for the past 19 years, the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) hope to unleash its very own Malaysian MotoGP team to compete in the world's biggest and most prestigious race.

SIC Chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir said the country's dream of fielding a rider can become a reality through a 'wild card' entry for the 125cc during the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix to be held from Oct 23-25.

"We hope a talented rider can be unearthed to attract sponsors and build a better career through the sport and be the platform for setting our very own MotoGP team," he told reporters after launching the event here on Tuesday.

He added that the feat was not impossible because Malaysian companies have a proven track record in sponsoring teams in Formula 1, GP2, Formula BMW and other prestigious races.

"SIC welcomes the prospect of Malaysia having a team before the contract with Dorna (World MotoGP licence holder) expires in two years," he said.

One rider, the best of the best, will be chosen from a pool of 16 riders in the Malaysian Wildcard programme to race with seasoned riders in that class

Mokhzani said the name of the rider who earns the honour of representing the country in the MotoGP would be announced next week and would be a toss between riders Elly Idzlianizar Ilias and Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin.

Meanwhile, SIC has lined up a number of promotional programmes and introduced attractive ticket prices to attract local and foreign fans to watch the race at the Sepang Circuit.

Fans can watch the race from the K1 covered stands for as low as RM30.

"The race in Sepang may also decide the overall champion in the MotoGP category, just like what happened in 2007," he said.

Fiat Yamaha rider Velentino Rossi leads the MotoGP standings with 237 points ahead of team-mate Jorge Lorenzo with 207 while Hiroshi Aoyama and Julian Somin lead the 250cc and 125cc categories respectively.

Sepang plays host to the penultimate race of the 17-leg while the championship enters the 14th stage this weekend at Estoril, Portugal.

-- BERNAMA

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