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SIC dreams of Malaysian team on the grid

AFTER hosting the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix for the past 19 years, the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) hopes to unleash its very own Malaysian MotoGP team to compete in the world's biggest race.

SIC chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir said the country's dream of fielding a rider can become a reality through a "wild card" for the 125cc class during the Malaysian MotoGP on Oct 23-25.

"We hope a talented rider can be unearthed to attract sponsors and build a better career through the sport which could be the platform for setting our very own MotoGP team," Mokhzani said after launching the event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Mokhzani 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 races.

SIC chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir (left) and Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd’s managing director Datuk Mohzani Wahab at the launch of the Malaysian MotoGP yesterday. — Bernamapic
SIC chairman Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir (left) and Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd’s managing director Datuk Mohzani Wahab at the launch of the Malaysian MotoGP yesterday. — Bernamapic


"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 in the Malaysian wild card programme to race with seasoned riders in that class.

Mokhzani said the name of the rider will be announced next week, and it is a toss between Elly Idzlianizar Ilias and Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin.

Meanwhile, SIC has lined up a number of promotional events 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 stand for as low as RM30.
"The race in Sepang may also decide the overall champion in the MotoGP category, just like in 2007," Mokhzani said.

Fiat Yamaha rider Velentino Rossi leads the MotoGP standings with 237 points from teammate Jorge Lorenzo on 207.

Hiroshi Aoyama and Julian Somin lead the 250cc and 125cc categories respectively. -- Bernama

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