Cortese Claims World Title, Zulfahmi Wins Historic First Podium

SEPANG, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- Germany's Sandro Cortese claimed his fourth grand prix title and was crowned as inaugural Moto3 world champion while Malaysia's Zulfahmi Khairuddin of AirAsia-SIC-Ajo Team clinched his first podium at the 2012 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix in Sepang Circuit, here Sunday.

Cortese, who started from the front row with pole sitter Zulfahmi, raced to the chequered flag in 40 minutes 54.123 seconds over the 18-lap race.

He defeated Zulfahmi by a mere 0.028 seconds at the finishing line.

Germany's Jonas Folger of Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3 took third spot, clocking 40'54.370s.

"I still can't believe that I am the world champion. It did not expect it to happen here. In the last two laps, I put a little pressure on Fahmi (Zulfahmi) and it paid off," said Cortese.

-- BERNAMA

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