FINAL FOUR FINALIST PICKED FOR THE MOTOGP WILDCARD PROGRAMME

IT'S DOWN TO THE FINAL FOUR

The 2009 Malaysian Wildcard Programme is down to its four final riders, Elly Idzlianizar Ilias, Md. Iskandar Raduan, Mohd. Farid Ahmad and Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin beat 13 other riders to get to the next stage of the programme.

The riders were chosen from a pool of 17 riders that competes in the current Petronas Sprinta Malaysian Cub Prix Championship and two from the Malaysian Super Series Bikerz Mag 150cc Cup.

“I’m pleased to see there is valuable progress in the effort to place these boys in the MotoGP Championship in October 2009,” said Sepang International Circuit Chief Executive Officer Razlan Razali.

“We have worked extremely hard to carefully identify these riders and have made plans to provide them with all the support whether it’s motivational or technical support.”

Officially launched on May 13 at Sri Pentas TV3 at Bandar Utama, the riders – all aged between 15 and 28 –undergo a three-day trial from May 14 at Sepang Circuit where they were evaluated on their riding skills and techniques on Yamaha 125cc machines.

The panel of judges includes Shahrul Yuzy, our very own 250cc rider, Fuad Baharuddin of  Asian Super Sport Rider, Ron Hogg from TWMR, Wan Razali Wan Mamat from MAM, Razlan Razali from SIC, Razak Malique from Junior GP Sdn. Bhd.

The four chosen riders – who are the best of the best - will next undergo a comprehensive training session at SIC under the guidance of Shahrol Yuzy.

“We have prepared a full programme to help the riders to reach their full potential,” explained Shahrol.

The training would run for two months and at the conclusion of the session, the committee would decide on the final two riders, which would be recommended to Dorna – the MotoGP worldwide right holders – and FIM as the wildcard entries to compete in the 125cc class at the 2009 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix in October.

“Before this, the riders share the bikes so no one rider have any advantage over the other in setting up the bike according to their riding style, but with the final four, each of them will get their own bike which will show us the difference between each rider.

As we can see, they can ride but there are still room for improvements or changes especially on bike setting and how they communicate with the team.

I’m going to make them faster, more precise and remove any doubt they have in their head so they become one with the machine.”

Prior to the GP test, the two riders would be doing further training with Ongetta Team ISPA.

“Our riders will be using a 125cc Championship contenders machine which are currently in the top 5 of the Championship,” added Razlan.

“However, it is now up to the respective riders to work hard, be disciplined and listen to their various mentors and coaches.

I am extremely proud of this development. It is still few months away but more importantly we have made great progress.”

The Malaysian Wildcard Programme 2009 was a result of collaboration between Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and its partners in motorsports – Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM), Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM), Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR), Moto Millia and Hong Leong Yamaha.

1) Elly Idzlianizar Ilias       
Age : 25    Expert Class PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship
Team : PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Ah Hong

2) Md. Iskandar Raduan
Age : 24    Expert Class PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship
Team : PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Raceline

3) Mohd. Farid Ahmad
Age : 21    Novice Class PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship
Team : Modenas Yuzy Pachi

4) Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin
Age : 18    Novice Class PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship
Team : Modenas Yuzy Pachi