Zulfahmi wants to enjoy a better season in Moto3 this year

Zulfahmi Khairuddin (second from left) is hoping for a better season with new team, SIC Racing Team this year.- AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star

SEPANG: Moto3 rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin is hoping to regain his place as Malaysia’s flag bearer in the World Motorcycle Championships together with Czech Republic’s Jakub Kornfeil in the newly-formed SIC Racing Team.

Kornfeil finished the 2014 season in 12^th place with 97 points. Zulfahmi, in contrast, finished 20th in the standings on a Honda bike.

SIC Racing team manager Johan Stigefelt, fondly known as “Stiggy”, said a return to a KTM bike and a different team should give Zulfahmi the much-needed break for the new season.

“He had no confidence with the team last year. It is important for him to feel comfortable as we are away basically more than 200 days in a year,” said the Swede.

“We have been working together for the last three months over the winter break. I think we are well prepared and we want to take this season seriously.

“I believe Kornfeil will be running with the front group this season. Based on last year’s results, Kornfeil will be a contender for the top three. This is good as Kornfeil and Zulfahmi can push each other.”

Asked on the target for SIC Racing Team in their maiden season, Stigefelt said they are aiming to finish in the top 10, at least. “We are not here to finish 15th but in the top 10 or maybe five,” he added.

Both riders are doing official testing at the Sepang International Circuit until Sunday along with Asian Road Racing Championships 600cc Supersports reigning champion Zaqhwan Zaidi, who will race for JPMoto in Moto2 this year.

The 23-year-old Zulfahmi said he is eager to get a feel of the bike when he goes out on Thursday. “We set up the bikes today and it will be track runs for us tomorrow.

“Preparations have been good. I had a schedule to follow with fitness and track training time right after the season ended in November. “I also have a good sparring partner in Zaqhwan and it really helped to be able to train with him,” said the Banting-born rider, who will be competing in his sixth season in Moto3.

-thestar online.