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 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

Comments

Ex-coach's jail sentence cut to a year

PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal yesterday sentenced former athletics coach C. Ramanathan to 12 months' jail for molesting two junior athletes 19 years ago. A three-man bench led by Datuk Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus unanimously dismissed Ramanathan's appeal against conviction, but varied the jail sentence of four years to a year, which was to run concurrently. Following yesterday's ruling, Ramanathan, 75, a former teacher, walked out a free man as he had served 10 months in Kajang Prison. Convicts get one-third remission for good behaviour while in prison. However, he will lose his pension. Hishamudin, who sat with Datuk Abdul Wahab Patail and Datuk Linton Albert, said the court found no merit to overturn the conviction. "However, in reducing the sentence, we considered Ramanathan's age and the long years the appeal has taken." Deputy public prosecutor Awang Armadajaya Awang Mahmud submitted that then High Court judge Tan Sri Abdull Hamid E...

Govt Always Gives Emphasis To Sporting Culture, Says PM

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 29 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badaw i said the government always gives emphasis on cultivating a strong sporting culture in achieving excellence at the international level. As such, the Prime Minister said, it was important to scout for young talents in sports. "I observe that the Malaysia Games (Sukma) has become one of the important platforms to do so. "In this arena, the potentials and skills of the youngsters can be identified for development so that they can achieve greater success in sports," he said in his message in the souvenir book of the 12th Sukma from May 31 until June 9. Abdullah said he was aware that competition in sports was very keen and challenging but this did not mean that Malaysian athletes were incapable of competing at the international level. "The fact is that we have all the characteristics required to be excellent. We must inculcate a strong fighting spirit so that we don't easily surrender,...

Chance to catch Messi and company

FAM deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and vice president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin with FC Barcelona chief executive officer Antoni Rossich yesterday. Pic by Osman Adnan LIONEL Messi's presence alone could sell half the tickets despite reigning world club champions FC Barcelona's date with a Malaysian XI at the National Stadium on Aug 10 falling on the third day of Hari Raya. The much anticipated visit of the four-time European champions comes with expectations from fans who want a full star-studded line-up. "The summer will be a busy period with a lot of uncertainty with players moving away and coming in. "But yes, our plans are to bring our full team here," said FC Barcelona chief executive officer Antoni Rossich yesterday. Rossich was speaking at the announcement of the friendly match, which is part of the three-match FC Barcelona Asia Tour 2013, which sees the giants also visiting China and Thailand. Also pre...

Malaysian Sports - Today's back pages!

Search This Blog