SIC Magazine Sept 2010

ISSUE 010

• KDN NO: PP16349/05/2011 [028340]

AMAZING MALAYSIA A celebrAtion of 20 seAsons of the MAlAysiAn Motorcycle GrAnd Prix - 1991-2010 edited by JuliAn ryder

SPECIAL ISSUE

HAIL THE NEW KING 1

FREE COPY

Hailed as one of most enjoyable track days at Sepang Circuit, the Lotus Handicap Challenge (THC) was the best attended gathering and the most enjoyable. With the weather kinder than the previous Sepang Time Attack and supported by Malaysia’s top motorsports web portal – www.zerotohundred. com, an exclusive, unique programme was designed for the participants to show off the skills and to earn their name in the Hall of Fame.

The TOP PERFORMERS Gentlemen Category Takano Masamizu (97.027%)

Champion

1st. Runner Up Billy Chia (98.296%)

Exige S Elise S

2nd. Runner Up Yong Kien Hing (98.842%)

Elise S

Expert Category Lee Choon Chet (98.846%)

Elise MKI

1st. Runner Up

Austin Teng (99.339%)

Elise MKI

2nd. Runner Up

Jeffrey Low (99.817%)

Champion

Elise S

Fast & Furious Category Champion

Tan Kok Ho (98.972%)

Elise MKI

1st. Runner Up

Joseph Chua (99.013%)

Elise S

2nd. Runner Up

Michael Chua (99.424%)

Exige S

“Fastest Time of the Day” trophy was awarded to Dominic Ang in an Exige S with a time of 2’38”193.

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• KDN NO: PP16349/05/2011 [028340]

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ISSUE 010

AMAZING MALAYSIA

SPECIAL ISSUE

HAIL THE NEW KING 1

FREE COPY

MANAGEMENT TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Razlan Razali (razlan.razali@sepangcircuit.com.my) CHIEF OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE Sharmila Nadarajah (sharmila.nadarajah@sepangcircuit.com.my) HEAD OF MARKETING Hannah Yong (hannah.yong@sepangcircuit.com.my) HEAD OF FINANCE Eddy Rashdan Pir Mohd (eddy.mohd@sepangcircuit.com.my) HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCE Sivadass Krishnan (sivadass.krishnan@sepangcircuit.com.my) HEAD OF COMMERCIAL H.H. Tham (tham.hh@sepangcircuit.com.my)

EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR Azhar Ghazali (azhar.ghazali@sepangcircuit.com.my) WRITERS & JOURNALISTS Nurris Ishak (nurris.ishak@sepangcircuit.com.my) Nor Lina Ayob (norlina.ayob@sepangcircuit.com.my) Mohd Ariff Mohd Ali (ariff.ali@sepangcircuit.com.my) RESIDENT PHOTOGRAPHER Mohd Arifsyah Jamil OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS Jerry Ch’ng of Equator Photo Ying Ching Heng CONTRIBUTORS Nor Azyzie Zakaria of www.ontheroad.com Hazrin Yeob Men Shah of www.pitstop.com.my Peter Lim of www.photodesk.com.my Mohd Iskandar Tan of Let’s Go Racing Magazine ADVERTISEMENTS Nor Lina Ayob (norlina.ayob@sepangcircuit.com.my) Sanjay Nadarajah (sanjay.nadarajah@sepangcircuit.com.my) PUBLISHED BY Sepang International Circuit Sdn Bhd (457149-T) 64000, KLIA, Selangor, Malaysia.

Tel : 603-8778 2200 Fax : 603-8783 1020 PRINTED BY Karisma Productions Sdn Bhd (490671-X) No 19, Jalan Juruanalisis U1/35, Hicom Glenmarie Industrial Park 40150 Shah Alam, SELANGOR Tel: 603-5569 2430/31/35 Fax: 603-5569 4322 (KDN: PQ1780/3621)

A Reward for Believing …

The key word to perhaps all things is belief. If we have the belief, we will have the reward. That would probably sum up the story of the GP Wildcard Programme this year – a Moto2 ride for Mohd Zamri Baba at the 2011 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Immediately after the success of last year’s wildcard programme, we started work to take the programme further. One was to secure a full season ride for a Malaysian rider in 2010; and second, for another Malaysian rider to race alongside Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin at this year’s Malaysian GP in Sepang on a wildcard ticket.

While the first part was successfully delivered with the establishment of AirAir Sepang International Circuit, the second one met setbacks after setbacks. With the 125cc class due for an imminent replacement in a very near future, works on producing the racing bikes simply stopped. Despite our diligent efforts with Two Wheels Motor Racing to secure a bike (we were even prepared to purchase one); there was simply no 125cc bike available.

Naturally we were disappointed; but never did we give up. We remain optimistic in keeping the programme alive for 2010. And, our prayers were answered when Team Moriwaki Engineering contacted us to conduct testing for their rider – Shingo Moriwaki, who had been granted a wildcard ticket to race at the Malaysian GP. And, the rest is history in the making …

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Two Wheels Motor Racing, PETRONAS Motorsports and Moriwaki Engineering for their support and most important; their belief in our aspirations and efforts. In the GP Wildcard Programme, we firmly believe that we have found the formula to take Malaysian motorsports to the next level; to produce world champions amongst Malaysians. We have the talent to compete against the best in the world; as proven by Zulfahmi in the MotoGP 125cc world championship.

Despite being the rookie and only learning the tracks during the race weekends, the young lad had performed remarkably to match his more experienced rivals.

I am confident that Zamri would be as successful as Zulfahmi and Elly Idzlianizar Ilias last year.

Despite being debutants at the world stage, both performed beyond expectations to finish in the top 20 in a field of some 30 experienced riders. Competition in the Moto2 is stiffer and Zamri would be competing against ex MotoGP riders, a host of 125cc world champions and regulars from the 250cc class.

Having said that, I am very sure that Zamri would perform well in his first Moto2 race. He’s currently on top of his form; having won the last Asia Road Racing Championship Supersports race in India. He is the fittest riders among his peers; he knows the track very well; but more importantly, he is a rider that fully believes in his own capabilities. My best wishes to him and Zulfahmi.

Without s doubt, it’s going to be a fantastic 20th edition of the Malaysian MotoGP. We had a record attendance last year of almost 60,000 fans for the race. I sincerely hope that we could have an even bigger crowd this year. Not just to join in the fun and excitement but also to cheer our local heroes – Zamri and Zulfahmi.

Razlan Razali

All RIGHTS RESERVED

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MotoGP Rider Standings Pos Rider Total 1

Jorge Lorenzo (Esp)

284

2

Dani Pedrosa

228

3

Casey Stoner

155

4

Valentino Rossi

140

5

Andrea Dovizioso

139

6

Ben Spies

131

7

Nicky Hayden

125

8

Randy de Puniet

81

9

Marco Melandri

74

10

Marco Simoncelli

74

11

Colin Edwards

70

12

Hector Barbera

66

13

Aleix Espargaro

50

14

Alvaro Bautista

49

15

Loris Capirossi

41

16

Mika Kallio

33

17

Hiroshi Aoyama

29

18

Alex de Angelis

11

19

Roger Lee Hayden

5

20

Kousuke Akiyoshi

4

21

Wataru Yoshikawa

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JORGE LORENZO IS THE NEW KING At one stage this season, Jorge Lorenzo has opened a 72-point gap over his closest rival, prompting TV commentators to refer the young Spaniard as the champion elect for 2010 season in their commentaries. Second overall last year to his Fiat Yamaha team-mate Valentino Rossi, the 23-year old Lorenzo is ready to take over the kingship from the nine-time world champion.

After simply dominating the first half of the season, chalking 12 straight podium finishes including seven victories, the two-time 25occ world champion was simply a different kind of rider in 2010. Staying clear of crashes

and riding with immense maturity, Lorenzo swept aside his rivals including Rossi, who was bothered by a shoulder injury all season.

His path towards dominance was made even easier when Rossi - his closest rival then, crashed and broke his leg during free practice at the Italian Grand Prix. The Doctor would sit out four races and was effectively out of the title. But, even before incident, Lorenzo had already shown that he was already on top of the Italian – winning races before Mugello like the Grand Prix of Spain and France.

Beaten by Pedrosa in Italy, the Man from Mallorca bounced back strongly in Silverstone

where he was unrivaled. Further wins in Assen, Catalunya and Brno looked set to guarantee an early championship celebration for the Fiat Yamaha rider as he opened up a massive 72-point gap at the end of the Indianapolis Grand Prix.

The script, however, changed drastically at Misano after Pedrosa found new power in his Repsol Honda machine as he swept aside Lorenzo and the other MotoGP riders in Misano. At the following race in Motorland Aragon, Lorenzo had his worst result of the season when he failed to put himself on the podium for the very first time in 2010; but remained firm favourite to be the King of MotoGP in 2010 ‌

LORENZO GP FACT FILE GP victories : 33 (13 x MotoGP, 17 x 250cc, 4 x 125cc) First GP victory : Brazil, 2003 (125cc) First GP : Jerez, Spain, 2002 (125cc) GP starts : 141 (47 x MotoGP, 48 x 250cc, 46 x 125cc) Pole positions : 40 (14 x MotoGP, 23 x 250cc, 3 x 125cc) World Championships : 2 (250cc, 2006/7) *as at Round 13 (Grand Prix of Aragon)

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PHOTO REPSOL HONDA

REVIEW 2009

RACE REVIEW 2009

Sizzling Stoner in Sepang in 2009 But, can Casey Repeat the Feat?

The start of the MotoGP race was delayed due to pouring rain. And, after 15 minutes and a wet race was called, the riders took their grid position to start the 2009 race and penultimate round of the season.

All eyes were on pole sitter and eight-times world champion Valentino Rossi. Another world crown beckons for the flamboyant Italian and all 59,000plus spectators at the circuit that day were ready to celebrate. Even, many of the track marshals were ready with the Italian flags and their #46 banners.

At the turn of the lights, Rossi lost his lead as Casey Stoner, who started from fourth, took the hole-shot and burst away from his rivals. Dani Pedrosa was the closest rider to Stoner as Rossi lost in the mid-group at the early part of the race. Like a true champion, Rossi climbed laps sheets and eventually came to third-placed Andrea Dovizioso.

Under pressure, Dovizioso crashed out and Rossi comfortably took third place and 16 championship points to seal his 10th world crown. The race, however, belonged to Stoner, who went unchallenged to the chequered flag. Pedrosa was second; but it was the third-placed Rossi that was leading the celebrations.

Joined by his fans at Turn 8 and a live chicken, Rossi and his army of fans sent clear message to his rivals and the world that Rossi, despite his age, was still a great champion and still strong to win races and titles.

A year later, on 10.10.10 at the 20th edition of the Malaysian GP, the fans’ focus this time round would on Rossi’s FIAT Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo and his closest rival this season – Dani Pedrosa of Repsol Honda. Depending on results in Motegi, Lorenzo – the two-time 250cc world champion – could follow Rossi’s footsteps and engineered his own championship celebration.

But, Casey, who finally found back his winning appetite at Motorland Aragon would want again to be the spoiler and repeat his sensational feat in 2009.

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Sepang Circuit – 5.543-km Sunday October 25, 2009

1. Casey Stoner (AUS) Ducati Marlboro Team 2. Dani Pedrosa (SPA) Repsol Honda Team 3. Valentino Rossi (ITA) Fiat Yamaha Team 4. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) Fiat Yamaha Team 5. Nicky Hayden (USA) Ducati Marlboro Team 6. Chris Vermeulen (AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 7. Toni Elias (SPA) San Carlo Honda Gresini 8. Marco Melandri (ITA) Hayate Racing Team 9. Loris Capirossi (ITA) Rizla Suzuki MotoGP 10. Mika Kallio (FIN) Pramac Racing Ducati

2009 FINAL STANDINGS AFTER 17 ROUNDS

1. Valentino Rossi (ITA) 2. Jorge Lorenzo (SPA) 3. Dani Pedrosa (SPA)

4. Casey Stoner (AUS) 5. Colin Edwards (USA) 6. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA) 7. Toni Elias (SPA)

8. Alex de Angelis (RSM) 9. Loris Capirossi (ITA) 10. Marco Melandri (ITA)

Yamaha

Yamaha Team Honda Team Ducati

Yamaha Honda Honda Honda Suzuki Kawasaki

47’ 24.834s + 14.666s +19.385s +25.850s +38.705s +41.061s +48.555s +55.557s +1’00.303s +1’00.440s

pts 306 261 234 220 161 160 115 111 110 108

* with 306 points, Rossi is officially the 2009 world champion.

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OFF-TRACK PROGRAMME

Just For The Fans;

Remember These Timings Thursday, 7 October 2010

MotoGP Riders Go-Kart Competition See the MotoGP riders show off their skills on four-wheels in a friendly go-kart competition with special guests and media members at Sepang Go-Kart Circuit. At press time, we have yet to know the actual list of MotoGP riders taking part; but we are pretty sure that some of your idols will be there.

Time: 1500hrs – 1630hrs

Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix Sepang, 10 October 2010

TIME SCHEDULE

Issued on September 8, 2010.

Time schedule in local time. Time Zone: GMT + 8 hours.

17:00

Pre-Event Press Conference (Press Conference Room in the Media Centre)

08:30-09:00 09:10-09:30 09:40-10:00 10:10-10:30 10:40-11:30 11:45 - 12:10

BMW Safety Car Laps Bikerz Hi-Rev Cup Free Practice Superbikes/Superstock/Supersports Free Practice Bikerz Hi-Rev Cup Qualifying Practice Pit Lane Walk Track Preparation (11:30-11:45 Pit Lane Closing, 11:45-12:00 Timing Laps, 12:00 Medical Inspection, 12:10 Track Inspection)

16:25-17:10 17:15-17:35 17:50

Media BMW Safety Bikes Laps Superbikes/Superstock/Supersports Bikerz Hi-Rev Cup

08:20 08:30

Medical Inspection Track Inspection

12:15-12:45 12:15-12:45

Ducati Two Seater VIP Village Pit Lane Walk

16:10-16:40 17:00 16:45-17:30 17:40 18:30

Ducati Two Seater Qualifying Press Conference BMW M Laps Supersports Superbikes/Superstock

08:00 08:40 10:00 10:10

Bikerz Hi-Rev Cup Superbikes/Superstock Medical Inspection Track Inspection

12:05-12:35 12:05-12:35

Ducati Two Seater VIP Village Pit Lane Walk

12:40-13:40 13:55-14:55 15:10-16:10

09:00-09:40 09:55-10:55 11:10-12:10 13:00-13:40 13:55-14:55 15:10-15:55

10:40-11:00 11:10-11:30 11:40-12:00 13:00

125cc MotoGP Moto2

Free Practice 1 Free Practice 1 Free Practice 1

Free Practice 2 Free Practice 2 Free Practice 2

125cc MotoGP Moto2

Qualifying Practice Qualifying Practice Qualifying Practice

125cc Moto2 MotoGP 125cc

14:15

Moto2

16:00

MotoGP

17:30

Supersports

Free Pit Walkabout for Kids and Ticket Holders Get close to the riders and teams during this exclusive open pit walkabout. Open for free for all ticket holders and children below 12 years old, fans should gather at the Mall Area of the Main Grandstand near the entrance of Tunnel 1. From there, fans will be ushered through the tunnel and enjoy their pit walkabout experience.

Time: 1040hrs – 1130hrs Saturday, 9 October 2010

MotoGP Riders Autograph Session

Qualifying Practice Race 1 (6 laps)

125cc MotoGP Moto2

Friday, 8 October 2010

Just like last year, this popular session will be held at the Welcome Centre and will feature all the MotoGP riders. They will, however, be divided into two groups with the first group taking their session from 1200hrs to 1215hrs. The second group will be entertaining their fans from 1215hrs to 1230hrs. Based on past experience, response from the fans will be massive and the queue will be long. So, please come early.

Time: 1200hrs – 1230hrs Sunday, 10 October 2010 Sunday is Race Day. But, outside the race, there will plenty of activities for fans and their family members to enjoy. Racing merchandise on sale will be aplenty and there will be entertainment as well for the fans to enjoy. At press time, we do not have the full schedule; so keep your ears open to announcements from the emcees and look out for the notice updates.

Time: All Day Long

Race 1 (10 laps) Race 1 (10 laps)

Race 2 (6 laps) Race 2 (10 laps)

Warm Up Warm Up Warm Up Race (18 laps)

Press Conference (immediately after the podium ceremony)

Race (19 laps)

Press Conference (immediately after the podium ceremony)

Race (20 laps)

Press Conference (immediately after the podium ceremony) Race 2 (10 laps)

DORNA SPORTS, S.L. Narcís Monturiol 2, 08960 Sant Just Desvern Barcelona - Pinar 7, 28006 Madrid - Spain Tel. +34 934 738 494 Fax +34 934 737 529 www.motogp.com

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And, if you are the lucky winners of our special prizes – the MotoGP Safety Car Ride, Starting Grid Access, Pit Tour, Pit Pass and the Ducati Two-Seater Ride, make sure that you come early and be on time to avoid disappointment. Check with the relevant officials to determine your meeting place.

To all, enjoy the weekend and thank you for your support …

FOCUS : MOTO2 CLASS

PHOTO MOTOGP.COM

Moto2 Rider Standings Pos Rider Total 1

Toni Elias

224

2

Julian Simon

148

3

Andrea Iannone

144

4

Thomas Lüthi

130

5

Simone Corsi

108

6

Gabor Talmacsi

95

7

Jules Cluzel

94

8

Shoya Tomizawa

82

9

Yuki Takahashi

76

10

Sergio Gadea

59

11

Scott Redding

47

12

Alex Debon

46

13

Dominique Aegerter

45

14

Roberto Rolfo

43

15

Stefan Bradl

43

16

Fonsi Nieto

41

17

Karel Abraham

33

18

Ratthapark Wilairot

30

19

Yonny Hernandez

27

20

Mike Di Meglio

24

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M

A relatively uninspiring season in the premier class last season saw Tony Elias failing to secure his seat in the MotoGP class. That, however, appeared to be a blessing in disguise for the Spaniard as he looked set to win himself his first ever world championship and the maiden winner of the new Moto2.

In the first 12 races of the new 600cc class, Elias had climbed the podium seven times with six of them as the winner. When the championship moves to Motegi for Round 13, Elias has already garnered 224 points on his Moriwaki machine and standing 76 points clear off his closest rival with five more rounds to go.

If results at Motegi go his way, Elias, who was seventh overall last year in the MotoGP world championship, could conveniently wrapped up the title challenge and the Gresini Racing rider is the Moto2 first champion.

MOTO2 – FACT FILE

What is Moto2?

A new 4-stroke MotoGP World Championship class was announced on 11th December 2008 and replaces the 250cc category from 2010. Taking the name of Moto2, this new category is intended to be a prestigious yet cost-effective accompaniment to the premier class of MotoGP. Some of the key characteristics of this new category of Grand Prix racing are the single engine supplier and a single tyre supplier. Honda Racing Corporation is the chosen engine supplier, while Dunlop provide the tyres.

Technical specifications Powered by a one-make 600cc 4-stroke engine, producing around 140hp, the Moto2 class will continue the 250cc series’ pursuit of developmental excellence with the running of a prototype chassis -free from limitation.

No production bike parts will be permitted for the frame, swing arm, fuel tank, seat or cowling, meaning that these aspects of the machine will be left to the manufacturer and designers. discretion.

However, electronic systems are more limited than those that were permitted in 250cc, which had seen select factories bringing in traction control. Moto2 rules allow for data loggers, ECU and timing transponders supplied by the organiser, with a maximum total cost of the ECU’s components set at 650 euros. No other electronic control, nor datalogging systems, will be present on the bikes.

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Kenny Noyes

18

22

Anthony West

17

23

Claudio Corti

16

24

Alex Baldolini

14

25

Mattia Pasini

12

26

Alex de Angelis

11

27

Damian Cudlin

9

28

Xavier Simeon

9

29

Hector Faubel

8

30

Jason Disalvo

7

31

Lukas Pesek

5

32

Raffaele De Rosa

4

33

Arne Tode

2

34

Axel Pons

2

35

Michael Ranseder

2

36

Michele Pirro

2

37

Vladimir Ivanov

2

38

Yusuke Teshima

1

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Points as at September 2010.

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FOCUS : 125cc CLASS

1991

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2010

1991

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2010

AMAZING MALAYSIA A celebrAtion of 20 seAsons of the MAlAysiAn Motorcycle GrAnd Prix - 1991-2010 edited by JuliAn ryder

ZULFAHMI Banking

On Home Advantage

In the 17 rounds of the 2010 MotoGP 125cc world championship, the Malaysian Grand Prix will be the only track that local hero Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin does not need to learn. He will be familiar with the demands of the 5.543km track; having competed in Sepang last year as the wild card rider, clocking thousands of kilometers in testing and participating in cub prix races and track days.

If Misano is Valentino Rossi’s home track, Sepang is Zulfahmi’s equivalent; having born and grew up in Kampung Bukit Canggang near Banting and less than 15 kilometers away from the circuit.

Having finished 20th last year in his MotoGP 125cc debut and now armed with 14 rounds of races, and supported by his wide knowledge of the Sepang track, one would expect Zulfahmi to perform well at his home race.

As seen last year and unlike the preceding 13 races, Zulfahmi can expect thousands of his fans cheering from the stands.

Openly, the rider from AirAsia Sepang International Circuit Racing Team had said that the Malaysian GP is the one race that he had looked forward to since his 125cc debut

at Losail in Qatar. Performing commendably, Zulfahmi finished 22nd in his first race and that provided him the experience to better his results including scoring three world championship points through three 15th placings.

Coming into the Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, the 18-year old Zulfahmi noted the high expectations of the local fans; but insisted that he was ready for the challenge to score his best results in the world championship.

Commenting on the overall championship battle in the 125cc class, Zulfahmi said that it was very close and exciting; adding that he had no preference on any of riders to win the world title that is currently witnessing a threecornered race between three Spaniards – Nicolas Terol, Pol Espargaro and Marc Marques.

“My focus has always been on my own race. They are all very good riders; but I rather focus on what I want to do at the race,” said Zulfahmi, who is only the second Malaysian to compete in a full world MotoGP season after Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini – a former 250cc rider and Zulfahmi’s mentor at Modenas Yuzy Pachie Racing Team.

125cc Rider Standings Pos Rider Total 1

Nicolas Terol

208

2

Pol Espargaro

202

3

Marc Marquez

197

4

Bradley Smith

144

5

Sandro Cortese

118

6

Efren Vazquez

110

7

Esteve Rabat

108

8

Tomoyoshi Koyama

102

9

Randy Krummenacher

79

10

Danny Webb

71

11

Johann Zarco

66

12

Jonas Folger

56

13

Alberto Moncayo

40

14

Jasper Iwema

33

15

Luis Salom

31

16

Alexis Masbou

20

17

Adrian Martin

20

18

Jakub Kornfeil

18

19

Marcel Schrötter

17

20

Simone Grotzkyj

16

21

Sturla Fagerhaug

8

22

Daniel Kartheininger

6

23

Lorenzo Salvadori

5

24

Zulfahmi Khairuddin

3

25

Louis Rossi

2

Before AirAsia Sepang International Circuit Racing and PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Team TVK, Malaysia had Proton KR Racing to fly the Malaysian flag at the world GP. Run by the legendary Kenny Roberts, the participation of the Protonbacked team was more than just competition on the track. It was an agenda of development for Proton and Modenas; and providing the opportunity for Malaysians to be involved in a world class series and running world class racing teams.

More importantly, it was another national effort to put Malaysia on the world map …

Malaysia in MotoGP

Points as at September 2010.

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Proton R3 Malaysia Rally Team Tackling tough conditions in Rally Czech Republic

The Neo sets impressive stage times again The PROTON team in Czech has ample reason to hold their heads up high at the recently concluded Rally Barum Czech Zlin. The dynamic duo of Niall McShea and Keith Cronin in the Satria Neo S2000 demonstrated good speed under extreme conditions, setting some impressive times.

Dubbed one of the most demanding rallies in Europe, the Czech Rally concluded with the final stage on Saturday, with Freddy Loix and his Skoda coming out tops. Rally Barum Czech Zlin began on Friday, 27 August 2010 with a super special stage comprising three laps of the city centre, witnessed by thousands of fans. The main action began the next day, when crews faced eight tarmac stages in the fast but technical roads sur-

rounding Zlin. The event ended Sunday, 29 August 2010 with a further eight stages.

For the PROTON team, pre-event testing ran smoothly under dry and sunny conditions, but the actual rally day conditions were very slippery brought on by torrential rain. Cronin was faster that local Czech hero, Jan Kopecky during the first stage, only 3.8 seconds behind the fastest time. Cronin’s amazing performance ended at an exit of a long corner, where he went off the road and dropped down a bank, landing close to a river. And with that he was out of the rally. Moving at such high speeds, it’s a well known fact that crashes are an inevitable occurrence in races and that’s what happened with Cronin.

Nevertheless, he did leave an impression,

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setting fifth and seventh best time before his exit. Meanwhile, teammate Niall McShea and his PROTON also set an impressive pace but stopped one stage after Cronin’s retirement.

McShea decided to stop rather than risk further damage to the car when he detected an unusual noise from the gearbox.

McShea and Cronin are among the best talents around with experience and skill in handling tarmac events. McShea’s last outing was with PROTON at the 2009 Rally of Ireland, the season opener for the World Rally Championship, where he completed the first stage third fastest and ahead of World Champion, Sebastian Loeb. Cronin just won the International Rally Isle of Man, known to be one of the toughest tarmac events in the

world. These are the reasons why they were selected for this round and the experience they bring to the team will also help them further improve the PROTON S2000 for tarmac events.

It wasn’t a win, but the team did come close to beating their competitiors. At the end of the day, the Satria’s abilities were further reinforced as demonstrated in an impressive performance in one the most challenging rally conditions by far.

Next up for the PROTON team in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge(IRC) is the San Remo rally which will be held on 24th -25th September 2010. The PROTON R3 Rally Team will include one of the most successful drivers in the history of the San Remo Rally

when it starts the legendary Italian tarmac event next week. Three-time Sanremo winner Gilles Panizzi, who shares this distinction with Miki Biasion and Didier Auriol, will form part of a two-car line-up with Niall McShea on the 10th round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

The 44-year-old Panizzi has a wealth of experience both in World Rally Cars, and Super 2000, where he has developed one of the most successful cars in the category, and on the World Rally Championship, where he triumphed on seven WRC events between 2000 and 2003. The Frenchman will be codriven by Freddy Delorme.

Panizzi is joining the PROTON R3 Team in Sanremo in order to give the squad

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the benefit of his experience on a rally that he has made his own, and to highlight areas where the Satria Neo S2000 can benefit from further development. During the course of the two-day event, Panizzi and PROTON will evaluate the possibility of a longer-term collaboration to help propel the Malaysian manufacturer to the pinnacle of the sport.

The 10th round of the IRC will feature slippery tarmac, changeable weather, and tight corners, which all test power, traction and grip. The event forms part of the World Rally Championship from 1973 to 2003, before being adopted by the IRC from 2006.

Sanremo is one of the most specialised tarmac rallies, where local experts traditionally dominate.

TOP 1 OIL PRODUCTS COMPANY

1991

1991

-

-

HIGH QUALITY SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS

2010

2010

AMAZING M ALAYSIA

TOP 1 Oil Products Company was founded in 1979 with the purpose of providing quality automotive lubricants to consumers worldwide. Nearly thirty years later, TOP 1 has grown into a much larger organization, but its vision remains the same.

Today, TOP 1 is a leading U.S.A. producer and marketer of high quality synthetic lubricants for automotive, motorcycle, heavy duty diesel applications. TOP 1 is sold into more than 40 markets around the world and maintains a strong presence in the Malaysian market through its distributor, Borneo Technical. It is a thriving organization and its extensive product line is recognized worldwide for its quality and versatility.

In Malaysia TOP 1 is forging strong relationships with racing teams, OEM’s and with the auto enthusiast. In 2010 TOP 1 has worked closely with Empire Motorsports, Lotus Malaysia and with Lotus Enthusiasts Car Club and continues to remain active with the upcoming Bukit Tinggi Hill Climb featuring the most exotic performance vehicles in the region.

In addition to TOP 1 being involved on the local level, being a global brand TOP 1 has been a very active supporter of racing teams on the MotoGP, Endurance Rally and Land Speed Circuits. In fact the TOP 1 Ack Attack, a motorcycle has twice set the motorcycle land speed record. In 2008 the TOP 1 Ack Attack blasted it’s way into the record books by going 581 KM/H. This record gave TOP 1 the claim of being the “fastest motor oil in the world.”

TOP 1 has received multiple business honors, both in the United States and overseas. TOP 1 founder William A. Ryan received the State of California’s Exporter of the Year award in 1985, and more recently, TOP 1 was the recipient of the Department of Commerce’s prestigious “E” Award for Excellence in Exporting.

TOP 1 is unique from most businesses for it has been continually owned and operated by one family. Today, three generations of Ryan’s continue to pursue the organizing principle of its founder: that of providing quality lubricants while forming and sustaining life-long friendships with its customers.

A celebrAt ion of 20 se Asons of th e MAlAysi An Motor cycle GrAn edited by Ju d Prix - 19 liAn ryder 91-2010

The one and only publication on the history of Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, the 20 Years of Malaysian GP Commemorative Book is published in conjunction with the 20th edition of this world class event. Produced by a team of MotoGP experts – Julian Ryder on the copies, images by David Goldman of Gold and Goose and design by moto.com, the 160-page book traces back the key moments of the Malaysian GP; taking you on a pictorial journey from the first race in Batu Tiga Circuit in Shah Alam to the last race in Sepang that saw ‘The Doctor’ celebrating with his brigade of fans with a chicken. It also provides a preview of the 2010 season – focusing the MotoGP grid and Malaysia’s very own 125cc rider Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin.

Priced at only RM260, there will only be limited copies available. Currently on sale now at the circuit, fans can also purchase through internet. Email your requests and enquiries to norlina.ayob@sepangcircuit.com.my.

R U O Y GET …

Y A D O T Y P O

C

18

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MADE IN U.S.A.

19

www.top1oil.com

PETRONAS ASIAN ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP 2010

PHOTOS PETRONAS MOTORSPORTS

ZAMRI TAKES FIRST ASIAN WIN

Zamri Realistic In Moto2 Adventure

Rider Name : Mohd Zamri Baba Bike No

: 52

Bike Model : Yamaha Team : PETRONAS Yamaha Malaysia

PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha AHM Race Class : • SuperSports 600cc (PETRONAS Asia Road

Racing Championship) • CP130 (PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub

Prix Championship)

Always a practical man, Mohd Zamri Baba, who will be making history as Malaysia’s first ever rider in Moto2, says that he would be realistic of his chances at the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix next month; describing the race as the biggest challenge in his life and the most difficult in his racing career.

“I would love to say that I would be challenging for world championship points; but it would not be realistic. Naturally, I would do my very, very best; but even then, it would not be enough … these are riders that competed round after round; and I am coming into the contest for the first time with very limited knowledge on my bike.

“I am thrilled and happy to be given the opportunity; and I thank all the parties involved in providing me this golden opportunity to compete on the world stage – SIC, Two Wheels and PETRONAS especially … it’s undoubtedly my dream and a dream of all the Malaysian riders I know.

“But, it is important for the Malaysian fans not go overboard about my chances … I will be competing with former MotoGP riders, former world champions of the 125cc class, the top 250cc riders last year and riders that had competed on the world stage for a few seasons.

The level of competition is very, very high,” said the PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha rider.

Introduced this year to replace the 250cc class, the Moto2 world championship, which runs on 600cc four-stroke engines, was an instant hit with the motorcycling fraternity with no less than 40 riders signing up to compete in the inaugural season.

The championship is currently lead by ex MotoGP rider Tony Elias of Gresini Racing Team, which runs on a Moriwaki chassis. Zamri’s chance to compete at the Malaysian Grand

Prix was created after he recorded impressive lap times at Sepang Circuit recently when he joined Team Moriwaki Engineering in their development tests.

The opportunity to test the Moriwaki Moto2 bike for Zamri and team-mate Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman was made possible through Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Two Wheels Motor Racing, PETRONAS Motorsports and Moriwaki Engineering in what had been described as Phase II of the GP Wildcard Programme that was introduced last year.

Currently Malaysia’s top rider in the 600cc Supersports Championship at the Asian Road Racing Championship, Zamri was selected over Azlan Shah as there was only one Moto2 bike available for the ride at the race in Sepang.

Zamri said: “I hope to do well … I aim to do well. People who know me would know how I approach my races … always giving 110 percent in all the races. But, motor racing in never about the rider per se … that’s the bike that plays a key role in determining the results.

“Then, there’s also the time you spent on the bike; getting the best parts for the bike … preparation, understanding the behavior of the machine and perhaps even, psychic understanding with other crew members … all these things take time and hardwork,” said Zamri, who is highly respected among his peers for his dedication to sports and easily the fittest among the top Malaysian riders.

“Sincerely, I hope it will open new doors for me in motor racing. I have always aim to improve myself in this sports. If only this opportunity had come to me at the earlier phase of my career,” said the 27-year old rider from Klang, who was heartbroken of not being selected for last year’s wildcard ride.

20

Age

: 27 (1983)

Nationality

: Malaysia

Titles : • 2004, CHAMPION

WIRA epg Category PETRONAS Malaysian

Cub Prix Championship • 2006, CHAMPION

Novice Category PETRONAS Malaysian Cub

Prix Championship • 2009, 3rd Overall

SuperSports 600cc PETRONAS Asia Road

Racing Championship “It all started out as a wish and a dream.” That’s the typical response one would get from this 27-year old rider from Negeri Sembilan. His entry into 2-wheel racing started for Zamri Baba at the tender age of 14 when he went to see some of his older friends race at the old Batu Tiga circuit in Shah Alam. From then on, what was initially just a dream became a real interest. With the help of the seniors, Zamri was given his chance and he never looked back.

His debut as a full-fledged racer came in 2003 and it was not long before he notched his first win, clinching the championship in the Wira Category the following year. Moving up the ranks, Zamri progressed to the Novice level and in 2006 took the title in an emphatic fashion.

A year later, Zamri was given the opportunity to progress to regional-level competition debuting with the PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Malaysia Team in the PETRONAS Asia Road Racing Championship where he quickly made his presence felt, finishing 6th overall in his debut season, a position he improved further in 2008 finishing 4th overall.

2009 had been Zamri’s best season in the Asia Road Racing Championship to date – finishing 3rd overall, a personal best.

With two more rounds and a century of points still up for grabs, Mohd Zamri Baba – Malaysia’s Moto2 rider - is optimistic of landing his first title at the PETRONAS Asia Road Racing Championship.

“I would say that the championship is still opened,” said PETRONAS Yamaha Racing rider, adding that he was looking forward to the final two rounds in Zhuhai, China and the first ever race at Losail Circuit in Qatar in December.

“I would rate my chances of winning the Asian title better than winning the cub prix,” said Zamri, who felt that he had a more competitive bike in his 600cc Yamaha R6 as compared to his cub prix Yamaha Lagenda machine.

“I look forward the Asian competition more … The prospects of winning look better,” said Zamri, who is currently third in the overall standings with team-mate Azlan Shah Kamruzaman behind the dynamic duo of Thailand Decha Kraisat and Chalermpol Polamai.

After three rounds and six races living under the shadows of his international rivals, Zamri’s dream of winning finally came true in Round 4 at Madras Motor Race Track, India in August.

Feeling good in the wet, Zamri who started from grid 4 went hard on the throttle as soon as the race commenced while his rivals held back. This provided him the perfect opportunity to lead and create a gap followed by his team-mates Azlan and Ahmad Fuad Baharuddin. They took control in the first half of the race; but as the race proceeded into second half Fuad crashed out in lap 7 while Azlan was surpassed by Decha Kraisat and left to battle for third spot with Chalermpol Polamai.

Meanwhile, Zamri’s consistency allowed him to be in control to the very end completing the race with total time 32:54.194s, 2.382s ahead of PETRONAS Yamaha Thailand duo, Decha(32:56.576s) and Chalermpol (33:05.092s) in second and third place respectively. Azlan on the other hand completed the race in fourth place (33.05.156s) followed by Moto-Rev India rider Toshiyuki Hamaguchi (33:11.121s) fifth and M.Fadli (33:11.786s) of PETRONAS Yamaha

Indonesia in sixth place.

Reviewing the race, Zamri commented, “First and foremost I would like to extend my thanks to the team because without them securing my first win for the season would have been impossible. I went out with one thing in mind-that is to win the race and the wet track gave me the confidence to push hard because not many riders are willing to take the risk.

“The only other rider I know who prefers riding in the the wet is Glenn Allerton. I’m grateful and happy everything went as I hoped for,” said the 27 years old.

On the other hand, the Thai duo finds that racing in the wet does not suit them well.

“Race 1 was very difficult for us because we really dislike racing in the wet. We find it hard to control the throttle. Only towards the end of the race when the track dried up a bit we started to pick up the pace. I tried my best to cut down Zamri’s gap but he was too far ahead,” said Decha.

Meanwhile, local rider Gautham Mayilvaganan (33:26.805s) put up a good show completing the race seventh while Li Zheng Peng of China Zongshen Racing registered 10th. Aside from Fuad, crashing out just after three laps Doni Tata Pradita of Yamaha INDOPROM HRVRT, while Makoto Inagaki and Sumit Lucas Toppo of Blue Arrow DNF the race.

Zamri now climbs up the SuperSports 600cc standings from fifth to third sharing 87 points with Azlan Shah while Decha strengthens his lead with 108 points followed by Chalermpol in second with 90 points. Fifth and sixth comes in Glenn Allerton who missed out on the action with 81 points and M.Fadli 59 points.

Japanese duo Inagaki and Hamaguchi stands in seventh and eighth spot with 48 and 46 points while Fuad and Doni complete the top ten with 44 and 29 points respectively.

In the Underbone 115cc, the race was cut short from 10 to seven laps following a red flag in response to a horrific crash involving Gilang Pranata Sukma just after three laps into the race.

While his teammate could not continue

with the battle, Fitriansyah Kete successfully claimed his first victory for the season coming in first place with total time 14:42.941s. Second came in Kawasaki NHK Rextor MTR Manual Tech Racing rider, Hadi Wijaya (14:43.901s) and Yamaha TOP 1 FDR rider, Denny Triyugo (14:43.958s) took third.

“I am very happy to win this race and I would like to say thank you to the team for giving me their full support. My Yamaha machine performed brilliantly and this gave me an added advantage to stick with lead pack. I managed to create a gap in the earlier laps but I could not get far because my rivals were fast too. I only started to go all out towards the end of the race,” commented Kete.

Kete’s achievements shot him from sixth in the Underbone 115cc overall standings to third with 65 points while Denny and Hadi continue to hold top two spots with 94 and 89 points respectively.

Best Thai rider in the overall standings would be Prawat Yannawut of PETRONAS Yamaha Thailand with 52 points in sixth placing followed by Malaysian, Mohd Ramdan Mohd Rosli of PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha AHM KHi seventh with 42 points.

PETRONAS ASIAN ROAD RACING CHAMPIONSHIP 2010

POINT STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 4

SUPERSPORTS 600cc CHAMPIONSHIP RIDER

NAT POINTS

1. Decha Kraisat

THA

108

2. Chalermpol Polamai

THA

90

3. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman

MAS

87

4. Mohd Zamri Baba

MAS

87

5. Glenn Allerton

AUS

81

6. M.Fadli

INA

59

7. Makoto Inagaki

JPN

48

8. Toshiyuki Hamaguchi

JPN

46

9. Ahmad Fuad Baharuddin

MAS

44

10. Doni Tata Pradita

INA

29

UNDERBONE 115cc CHAMPIONSHIP

21

RIDER

NAT POINTS

1. Denny Triyugo

INA

94

2. Hadi Wijaya

INA

89

3. Fitriansyah Kete

INA

65

4. Hokky Krisdianto

INA

58

5. Rafid Topan Sucipto

INA

55

6. Prawat Yannawut

THA

52

7. Mohd Ramdan Mohd Rosli

MAS

42

8. Norizman Ismail

MAS

39

9. M.Reza Fahlevi

INA

37

10. Rozaiman Mohd Said

INA

36

PETRONAS CUB PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP 2010 Round 7 – Hang Jebat Sports Complex, Melaka (Track Length: 1.101km)

REVIEW ROUND 7

WORDS AZHAR GHAZALI PHOTOS PETRONAS MOTORSPORTS

TOP TEN FINISHERS CLASS CP130

(15 laps = 16.515km) 1. Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Raceline) 12:26.579s 2. Mohd Zamri Baba (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha AHM) 12:26.685s 3. Norizman Ismail (Harian Metro SCK Honda Racing) 12:29.786s 4. Ahmad Fazli Sham (Shell Advance Yamaha Maju Motor) 12:34.587s 5. Abdul Muhaimin Roslan (Shell Advance Yamaha Maju Motor) 12:39.859s 6. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Raceline) 12:44.490s 7. Elly Idzlianizar Ilias (Shell Advance Yamaha Maju Motor) 12:57.153s 8. Ahmad Fazrul Sham (Idemitsu Honda Racing) 12:59.466s 9. Mohd Zaqhwan Zaidy (Modenas Yuzy Pachie Racing)

12:59.545s 10. Mohd Emir Firdaus (Idemitsu Honda Racing)

13:02.862s

POINT STANDINGS AFTER 7 ROUNDS

CLASS CP115

(12 laps = 13.212 kilometers) 1. Mohd Ramdan Mohd Rosli (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha AHM) 2. Mohd Adli Salihin (Motul Yamaha YY Pang)

3. Mohd Iskandar Raduan (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Raceline) 4. Mohd Hafieenaz Mohd Ali (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Raceline) 5. Ahmad Abdul Kadir (Faito Yamaha Boon Kui)

6. Shahril Izzuwan Mohd Noor (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha AHM) 7. Mohd Rozaliman Zakaria (ZAR & HTM Motorsports Racing) 8. Shazuan Azrulizam Salim (CKJ Motorsports)

9. Mohd Firdaus Musa (CKJ Motorsports)

10. Mohd Taufiq Roslan (Modenas Forty One Racing)

10:15.003s 10:15.189s 10:19.483s 10:23.910s 10:27.312s 10:29.012s 10:29.238s 10:34.008s 10:34.173s 10:34.726s

CLASS CP130

9:18.834s 9:24.822s 9:26.968s 9:28.126s 9:30.223s 9:36.334s 9:38.315s 9:39.007s 9:39.202s 9:46.673s

CLASS CP115

1. Ahmad Fazli Sham (Shell Advance Yamaha Maju Motor) 2. Norizman Ismail (Harian Metro SCK Honda Racing)

3. Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Raceline) 4. Ahmad Fuad Baharuddin (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha AHM)

5. Mohd Zamri Baba (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha AHM)

6. Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Raceline)

7. Abdul Muhaimin Roslan (Shell Advance Yamaha Maju Motor)

8. Elly Idzlianizar Ilias (Shell Advance Yamaha Maju Motor)

9. Mohd Affendi Rosli (Harian Metro SCK Honda Racing)

10. Ahmad Azhar Abdul Hamid (Rock Oil HRS UTM Racing)

WIRA CHAMPIONSHIP

(10 laps = 11.010km) 1. Mohd Adib Rosley (Motul Yamaha YY Pang)

2. Zulsyafiz Rosli (MOS Yamaha Racing)

3. Mohd Azhar Abdul Jalil (Motul Yamaha YY Pang) 4. Nurahmad Fariznazreen (Motul Yamaha YY Pang) 5. Mohd Syawaluddin Zaki (Modenas Forty One Racing) 6. Ahmad Afif Amran (Modenas Forty One Racing) 7. Mohd Hafizuddin Azahar (Honda)

8. Mohd Solehan Mohd Sukor (Promax Racing)

9. Che Ku Hasrin Hassan (Fatt Fatt Kendall Honda) 10. Mohd Izzat Zaidi Salehan (Motul Yamaha YY Pang)

HONDA icon CHALLENGE CUP

(10 laps = 11.010 kilometers) 1. Nur Amirah Basir (Honda icon)

2. Has Fauzan Hassan (Honda icon) 3. Afiq Rahmat (Honda icon)

4. Mohd Amirol Rasol (Honda icon) 5. Mohd Aziq Jumali (Honda icon) 6. Mohd Amirul Ilmi Azimat (Honda icon) 7. Mohd Izzat Abdul Hakim (Honda icon) 8. How Mak Tian (Honda icon)

9. Mohd Shafiq Abdul Manan (Honda icon) 10. Mohd Hafizuel Mohd Bajer (Honda icon)

9:45.350s 9:45.583s 9:51.798s 9:59.093s 9:59.767s 10:00.971s 10:01.677s 10:05.873s 10:09.236s 10:17.711s

YAMAHA LC135 CHALLENGE

(10 laps = 11.010 kilometers) 1. Tengku Amirul Haffiruddin (Yamaha LC135)

2. Nurahmad Fariznazreen (Yamaha LC13) 3. Mohd Hafiza Rofa (Yamaha LC135)

4. Mohd Razmal Mohd Rohaizad (Yamaha LC135) 5. Mohd Syafiq Abdul Samad (Yamaha LC135)

6. Mohd Rabilfirli Nooral Azmin (Yamaha LC135) 7. Mohd Syawal Mustakim (Yamaha LC135) 8. Mohd Hafiz Nor Azman (Yamaha LC135) 9. Mohd Firdaus Zainol (Yamaha LC135)

10. Mohd Fadhil Hanafi (Yamaha LC135)

8:48.574s 8:49.539s 8:53.970s 9:04.095s 9:05.304s 9:05.522s 9:06.041s 9:18.273s 9:34.192s 9:36.356s

22

Malaysia’s young stars shone brightly at Round 7 of the 2010 PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship on September 26 as the teenage warriors ruled the competition at Hang Jebat Sports Complex sweeping all the major titles.

On the day when the championship crowned its second lady winner in its 17-year history in 14-year old Nur Amirah Basir as she followed the footsteps of Farah Melina Ismadi in the Honda icon Cup, another 14-year old – Mohd Ramdan Mohd Rosli – took centre stage in the more prestigious CP115 category.

It was the third win of the season for the Form Two student from SMK Meru in Klang and the additional 25 points thrust him to the top of the overall standings with a total haul of 126 points. With three more rounds to go, the Ramdan leads Mohd Rozaiman Mohd Said of Motul Yamaha YY Pang by a healthy 21 points.

“I would say my chances of winning the championship as good. I would need to keep my form and hope my bike would be working well as well in the remaining three rounds,” said the young PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Team Ah Hong Motor.

“It’s not going to be easy; but I will work hard towards achieving that goal,” said Ramdan, who was the overall winner of last year’s Yamaha LC135 Cup. He was also sixth overall in the Wira championship where he had two wins under his belt.

Novice champion last year and winner of the preceding round in Teluk Intan, 16-year old Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah

of PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Team Raceline showed superb maturity and dazzling skills as he fought off the challenge of highly experienced Mohd Zamri Baba from the sister Ah Hong Motor team.

Zamri, who six days earlier was unveiled as Malaysia’s wildcard rider for Moto2 at the upcoming Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, was simply boosted by the honour as he pushed Hafizh all the way throughout the 16lap race.

It was clear from the start that the two PETRONAS Yamaha riders were a class above their rivals that that as they burst from the grid for the hole-shot with the lightweight Hafizh winning that contest. Despite trying desperately to speed away, Zamri simply did not give up as he patiently followed his young rival, He did manage to pass Hafizh albeit vey briefly at the final lap with a very late braking move at the U-turn that almost forced the Kid from Ampang to bring his bike to a standstill. But, Hafizh reacted quick enough to shoot back to the front and to score his second win of the season. For Zamri, it was his best result for the season and the Klangborn rider remain hopeful of recording his first win of the season in the remaining three rounds.

In the Wira class – a development category for young, aspiring riders – 16-year old Mohd Adib Rosley of Motul Yamaha YY Pang cemented his position at the top of championship with another classy win to take his total haul of championship points to 125 and looked good for the overall title.

1. Mohd Ramdan Mohd Rosli (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha AHM) 2. Mohd Rozaiman Mohd Said (Motul Yamaha YY Pang)

3. Mohd Iskandar Raduan (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Raceline) 4. Mohd Adli Salihin (Motul Yamaha YY Pang)

5. Shahril Izzuwan Mohd Noor (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha AHM) 6. Zaidy Mohd Zaifaizal (Motul Yamaha YY Pang)

7. Mohd Firdaus Musa (CKJ Motorsports)

8. Mohd Hafieenaz Mohd Ali (PETRONAS Sprinta Yamaha Raceline) 9. Mohd Rozaliman Zakaria (ZAR & HTM Motorsports Racing)

10. Ahmad Abdul Kadir (Faito Yamaha Boon Kui)

Pts 127 110 103 090 087 065 058 044 038 032

126 105 105 083 074 056 054 053 047 036

WIRA CHAMPIONSHIP 1. Mohd Adib Rosley (Motul Yamaha YY Pang)

2. Mohd Azhar Abdul Jalil (Motul Yamaha YY Pang)

3. Mohd Syawaluddin Zaki (Modenas Forty One Racing) 4. Mohd Fitri Ashraf Razali (Caviaga Modenas Cilik Racing)

5. Zulsyafiz Rosli (MOS Yamaha Racing)

6. Amirul Hafiq Mohd Azmi (MOS Yamaha Racing)

7. Ahmad Afif Amran (Modenas Forty One Racing)

8. Luqman Shakiemi Hakim (Modenas Forty One Racing) 9. Mohd Solehin Mohd Sukor (Promax Racing Motorsports) 10. Mohd Fazrul Hakim Mohd Taufek (Yamaha)

125 113 080 079 072 053 050 050 040 039

Battle of 2010 The Remaining Rounds Round 8

October 24 & 25, 2010

Round 9

November 21 & 22, 2010

Sepang Circuit (South Track)

Round 10

December 4 & 5, 2010

Esplanade, Penang

23

Pekan, Pahang Darul Makmur

HONDA icon CHALLENGE 2010 HONDA icon CHALLENGE CUP Point Standings After 7 Rounds Fifteen-year old and winner in Teluk Intan Farah Melina Ismadi was absent from Round 7; but the other ‘Power Puff’ girl Nor Amirah Basir was there at Hang Jebat Sports Complex in Melaka to shame the boys in the Honda icon Challenge.

Unnoticed since joining in Round 4 in Sepang, the 14-year old second Former from SMK Sultan Omar in Dungun simply burst into prominence in Melaka; taking over proceedings as she ruled the opening heats to take pole position for the race.

Taking the hole-shot, Amirah lead from start to finish; though she had to fight hard throughout the 10-lap battle around the 1.101km; keeping away Has Fauzan Hassan, Mohd Fairuz Abdul Rahman and championship leader Mohd Hafizuddin Azhar. Amirah had one less rival to worry after Lap 4 when Hafizuddin crashed. Three laps later Fairuz also dropped bike; leaving Amirah with only Has Fauzan to worry.

“He was edging nearer and nearer; but I managed to close the gap. He tried to pass me at every turn; but I continue to close any possible opening and kept my head down. I’m happy to win and hopefully I can repeat this performance again in Pekan,” she added.

Responding to a question, Amirah said that she also hoped that Farah would be fully fit in Pekan so that they could continue with the Girl Power dominance over the guys. The win allowed Amirah to climb the championship standing to 11th while Farah remained second with three more round to go.

Pts

1. Mohd Hafizuddin Azahar (Honda icon)

122

2. Farah Melina Ismadi (Honda icon)

086

3. Fakhrusy Syakirin Roslan (Honda icon)

083

4. Has Fauzan Hassan (Honda icon)

083

5. Afiq Rahmat (Honda icon)

082

6. Mohd Fairuz Abdul Rahman (Honda icon) 068 7. Mohd Amirul Ilmi Azimat (Honda icon)

053

8. Mohd Amirol Rasol (Honda icon)

051

9. Mohd Hafizuel Mohd Bajer (Honda icon) 051 10. How Mak Tian (Honda icon)

051

11. Nur Amirah Basir (Honda icon)

035

12. Mohd Fakarruddin Azmi (Honda icon)

034

Thanks to Prince Court, Farah Ready to Bounce Back After penning her name as the first lady winner at the PETRONAS Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, Farah Melina Ismadi was banking on building on that success and piled in more pressure on Honda icon Cup championship leader, Mohd Hafizuddin Azahar.

With the series taking a long break in view of the fasting month, Farah continued with her routine practice; but was unfortunate to crash during one of the practices at Speedway PLUS Circuit in August; breaking her right arm.

“I passed out after the crash and the moment I woke up, I realized that already in the ward. Everything was like happening very fast,” said the 15-year old schoolgirl from Seremban, who thanked his father – Ismadi Hashim – for his quick action.

Little did Farah knew that immediately after the crash, she was rushed to Prince Court where she had swift treatment provided through the Motor Racing Personal Accident Policy undertaken by her team – Boon Siew Honda Racing.

Providing details on the subject, Ismadi said that Prince Court Medical Centre was a five-star facility and provided the best medical treatment for Farah, who turned out to be the first case to benefit under the policy, which had a special arrangement between Prince Court Medical Centre, RHB Insurance and the insurance agent – Safe Aim Mutual.

“Farah was taken in without the need of

guarantee letters and there was very minimal waiting. Boon Siew Honda Racing simply sent an e-mail to the hospital and everything else was handed smoothly. All our medical expenses were settled through the insurance policy,” said Ismadi, who thanked Boon Siew Honda Racing and Safe Aim Mutual for their help.

Announcing the policy recently, the Managing Director of Safe Aim Mutual, Sam Hogg said the company was offering an exclusive Protector Personal Accident Policy where the company had worked out a special arrangement with Prince Court Medical Centre that would provide immediate medical attention for its holders without worrying coughing out initial cash payment.

Commenting on the incident, Sam said: “Naturally, we are sad that Farah crashed and injured. But these things are part of motor racing. We are happy that she is now back and fit again; and ready to race. We are also pleased that Farah had the best of treatment at Prince Court Medical Centre.”

According to Farah, she wanted to compete in Melaka; but was decided not to give more time for her injuries to heal and for her to claim full fitness. “I should be 100 percent ready in Pekan and challenge for the overall title,” she said.

24

Testing Your Endurance

Cheryl Tay

By www.cheryl-tay.com

The first time I attended an endurance race was the Sepang 1000km (S1K) race in June earlier this year.

As it was a day-long event, I was able to stay awake for the entire nine hours.

My second endurance race outing however, wasn’t as successful, as I failed to stay up for the whole 12 hours of the 11th Merdeka Millenium Endurance Race (MMER).

The race was flagged off at midnight this year, hence the bulk of the race was through the dead of the night and into the early morning dew.

I was there for the start of the race and stayed on for about four hours into the race, even getting to witness one of the race cars catch fire.

Then I left Sepang to go back to the hotel and catch some winks, before returning early the next morning to watch the last third of the race.

Racing for Singapore that National Day weekend were three teams: Porsche Club Singapore (PCS) Racing, HKS Garage-R Racing and BTB Racing.

2008 champion Team PCS Racing qualified in pole position again for the third consecutive year for the GT Class as well as overall, ahead of the 35 other cars on the grid.

Sadly, Team PCS Racing – which has two-time Malaysian Super Series (MSS) Supercar champion Mok Weng Sun, Porsche works driver Richard Lietz and Australian Porsche Carrera Cup driver Craig Baird – retired early when their car failed after almost five hours and 119 laps.

Fortunately, the other two Singaporean teams completed the race: with Team HKS Garage-R Racing

in second place for the Touring Production class after qualifying in third, and Team BTB Racing in third place for the Sports Production class after qualifying in fifth.

Team HKS Garage-R consists of two drivers – Moh Tze Yang and Kelvin Phon – who took part in MMER for the first time.

Both Singaporeans have raced at S1K previously though, and even came in third in their class at the inaugural S1K last year.

“When the team qualified in third place, I was hoping for them to finish third so their second-place finish is a really good result. They’ve been through a lot, and this is their first time racing in MMER and driving through the night which is more challenging because of factors like reduced vision,” said Lawrence Lee, 31, managing director of Fong Mui Garage-R Trading Pte Ltd and team principal for Team HKS Garage-R Racing.

Added a happy Moh, “We came with an aim to finish the race and anything above that is a bonus.

Sometime during the race we realised there was a possibility of a podium finish so we continued pushing hard. With excellent support from Garage-R’s pit crew, we managed to stay competitive and hold on to second place to the end.”

I must admit endurance races don’t make the most exciting sport for spectators; Already some struggle to stay awake for a two-hour a Formula 1 race, let’s not even talk about 12- or 24-hour endurance races.

So hats off to the endurance race teams and drivers for keeping their cars running continuously for hundreds of competitive laps at high speeds!

ABOUT THE WRITER Cheryl Tay is a Singaporean writer who specialises in cars and motorsports. Young, passionate and living life on the fast lane, Cheryl hopes to share her passion with likeminded people through her writing and to get more girls into the driver’s seat. More of Cheryl at www.cheryl-tay.com.

Twitter: @cheryl_tay Facebook: facebook.com/ mscheryltay Website: www.cheryl-tay.com

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STANDING BY TO WHIP UP YOUR PRE-ORDERED BREAKFAST. SUCCESS ALWAYS TASTES BETTER WHEN IT’S FRESH AND EARLY.

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Keeping you on top of your game. Always at Concorde.

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MALAYSIAN SUPER SERIES 2010 • SUPERSIXTEEN CHAMPIONSHIP

BOY WONG Surrenders Crown

Trailing by 40 points and with just a round to go, Boy Wong Yew Choong – the Malaysian Super Series (MSS) Supersixteen Championship defending champion – has openly given up hopes of retaining his crown; declaring that his title fight is over.

“There’s no two ways about it – Damien is the new Supersixteen champion and I wish to congratulate him,” said Boy, who had held the Supersixteen Championship overall title since 2006. “My feelings? I’m okay … I held the title for four years and I am proud of that achievement.

“I always knew it would be difficult this year after I missed the opening round in April,” added Boy, whose efforts to close the gap on Damien in Round 4 was foiled by a blown engine in Race 2. Boy won the opening race; declared as winner after initial winner Mohd Farriz Fauzy was disqualified.

Taking just 25 points from the round, Boy took his total haul of championship points to 110; against Damien’s collection of 150 points. Melaka-born Mohd Faizal Hassim is third in the overall standings with 106 points; and mathematically, could still pip Damien for the 2010 overall crown.

After registering comfortable wins for the opening two rounds and four races, Damien found stiff challenge in Round 3 as Boy took both wins for the round. Damien came second in Race 1; but dropped further in Race 3 as he finished third behind Faizal.

For the first time this season, competitors for the Supersixteen Championship competed on Federal tyres. The final round for Supersixteen Championship would be held at Sepang Circuit on November 27 and 28.

MSS ’10 – SUPERSIXTEEN CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 3 – 9 SEPTEMBER 2010 Race 1 (10 laps) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Boy Wong Yew Choong (Honda Civic) 26:24.787s K. Indran (Honda Civic) 26:41.947s Damien Dielenberg (Honda Civic) 26:52.478s Mohd Faizal Hassim (Honda Civic) 2 7:08.664s Winson Eu Tuck Meng (Honda Civic) 27:13.669s Mohd Zaki Kamaruddin (Honda Civic) 27:14.106s

www.federaltire.com

27-28 NOVEMBER 2010

Race 2 (10 laps) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

S.H. Ashan Silva (Honda Civic)

26:44.216s Mohd Faizal Hassim (Honda Civic) 2 6:44.693s Winson Eu Tuck Meng (Honda Civic) 26:57.192s Mohd Zaki Kamaruddin (Honda Civic) 27:19.542s Mohd Azlan Rabu (Satria GTi) 27:57.645s Abu Bakar Fitri (Satria GTi) 27:58.934s

POINT STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 3

1. Damien Dielenberg (Honda Civic)

2. Boy Wong Yew Choong (Honda Civic) 3. Mohd Faizal Hassim (Honda Civic)

4. Winson Eu Tuck Meng (Honda Civic)

5. K. Indran (Honda Civic)

6. Kok Pak Chiang (Honda Civic)

7. S.H. Ashan Silva (Honda Civic)

8. Mohd Azlan Rabu (Satria GTi)

9. Mohd Zaki Kamaruddin (Honda Civic) 10. Abu Bakar Fitri (Satria GTi)

11. Khair Nur Ariff (Honda Civic) 12. Razak Hamid (Honda Civic)

13. Faizal Hakimi Jaafar (Honda Civic)

14. Tseu Chan Kee (Honda Civic)

15. Chan Yit Foong (Honda Civic)

16. S. Velumani (Honda Civic)

pts 150 110 106 071 050 046 025 024 022 011 011 011 010 010 008 006

Key Vector Sdn Bhd (711486-M)

28

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T : 603-7987 1889 F : 603-7983 9882 Email : info@kvsb.com.my / keyvector@gmail.com Website : www.federalcompetitiontires.com

Janiís gs n i t t o J

As we’re on the eve of the 20th Malaysian MotoGP, I think we should look back to see how motorsports has impacted and changed the way we ride and drive in the country. For the past 20 years for two-wheels and 12 years for 4-wheels, we’ve had the world’s best riders and drivers grace our circuits to how us how the best talents fair against each other. They’ve shed blood (literally), sweat and tears to entertain us, inspire us and become idols for those who aspire to climb that slippery slope of motorsports competition. But they’ve also been the spokesmen and ambassadors for road safety, a subject Malaysia used to be in the forefront of but have fallen behind of late.

I salute PDRM’s efforts in the latest Ops Sikap but we still lost more than 200 people over the Hari Raya festive period. I can’t remember the stats of how many accidents occurred, summons issued and pain suffered by those who didn’t get to celebrate Raya in peace, happiness and comfort. Our champion of road safety, Y. Bhg. Dato’ Suret Singh needs to be given more resources and ammo to accomplish his mission. Maybe he needs a few local heroes as ambassadors of safety or include the world’s best talents in his campaign ads. Surely the FIA, FOM, FIM and Dorna wouldn’t mind helping us out with our road safety campaign by persuading their drivers and riders to say something to our local road users. FIA Mobility has made road safety a priority issue. We need to capitalize on this and get their program to be felt on the ground. Suggestions anyone?

I just came back from watching the exciting Singapore F1 Grand Prix. 9 cars crashed and a Lotus toasted itself. An amazingly composed and “cool” Heikki Kovalainen parked the burning car on the main straight, casually got out, got hold of a fire extinguisher and doused the flames all by himself. And that’s with millions of people watching live on TV and 14 F1 cars screaming past at 260kmph on their last laps. I’m sure he wasn’t happy with how his race ended but it was all part of a great race weekend. We still go to races and secretly hope to see crashes, don’t we? Sometimes the crashes are spectacular and the riders and drivers get through relatively unscathed. But sometimes it does go horribly wrong. So be careful what we wish for.

Singapore has really made an event out of F1. Maybe we should consider having our race at night as well. It was cooler and the ambience really changed just because of that. Will that make more people come to SIC for races? Maybe, maybe not. But we can make use of the circuit more by having it lit up. We race the Merdeka 12-Hours at night and depend on the lights from the cars to illuminate the circuit. While it works, it’s not ideal. SIC is fast coming to the point where we no longer have enough track time to rent out anymore. Unknown to the general public, SIC rents out the circuit almost 310 days in a year. While we’re know as an F1 circuit and F1 host, the rest of the year is used by the likes of you and me for all sorts of other things. If we put in lights, maybe we can squeeze more out of the circuit and make the experience of visiting SIC all the more fun and exciting. Anyone out there listening?

K S I R S T R O P S R O T MO T N E M E G A N MA renalined a d n a n o i io t hspeed ac hey crash. But it’s all g i ig h t a h t l l ll A rder t rous. a e h g n e a h t d , s e is i id s r t Motorsporama. The harder they management. about risk pumping dr

Speed safe.

Jani M

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