AirAsia-sponsored 125cc MotoGP rider Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin earned the ticket to race in the World Championship and will be the first ever Malaysian to compete on the world stage in the 125GP class.

Eighteen-year-old Fahmi will race for Ongetta Team I.S.P.A. and will be sponsored by AirAsia.  Two Wheels Motor Racing (TWMR), Sepang International Circuit (SIC) and Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) facilitated this successful move to have a Cub Prix rider compete on the international stage.

Fahmi’s entry in the race is expected to raise Malaysia’s standing in the sport.  Fahmi gained recognition in the motoring world by making it to the top 20 as a wildcard rider for the AirAsia Malaysia 125cc MotoGP Team at the Malaysia MotoGP last October.

Fahmi’s main racing experiences were in the PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship and in the recent Wild Card Programme.

Fahmi, who started his racing career only in 2008, is ecstatic over the opportunity to represent Malaysia in MotoGP.

“This is a dream come true for me.  I didn’t expect to reach my goal of racing in the World Championship this fast.  I feel a bit anxious because I am taking on the hopes of a nation. On the other hand, I feel proud because this is what I really want. I know it will be a challenging road ahead but I am prepared to give my best and to push to the limit," said Fahmi.

He is scheduled to leave for overseas on January 12 for the winter training programme that includes testing the race machine, working out on physical fitness, and motocross and supermotard training with the team in preparation for the season-opening leg at Losail Circuit, Qatar on April 9 to 11.

The humble Banting-born rider added, “I believe opportunity only knocks once, and I embrace it with open arms. Others may think that I am just lucky but, to be frank, a lot of sacrifices have been made to reach this level. Giving up leisure time to work out, watching my diet, being away from my family and putting on hold my studies are what I went through to achieve this dream. Nevertheless, I want to thank everyone who have put all the pieces together to make this happen."

Ron Hogg, promotions director of TWMR, said, “I am certain that our Malaysian riders have a bright future in their motor racing careers as there is a pool of gifted riders out there racing in Cub Prix. In fact, this goes to prove a lot when we started this programme together with SIC to allow talented Malaysian riders to ride as wild cards in Malaysia.

“Fahmi’s success in his previous outings at the Malaysian MotoGP and Valencia proved that Malaysian riders are capable of competing at the highest level.  We are where we are today because we have the entire industry to share the same vision.  Thanks especially to the Cub Prix teams in grooming the riders and also not to forget team Modenas Yuzy Pachi’s sacrifices and allowing Fahmi to race in a higher level," said Ron.

AirAsia CEO Dato Sri’ Tony Fernandes said, “We’re here to support Fahmi as he gears up for the World Championship and does his best to make Malaysia proud.  We’re proud that a young Malaysian rider is taking on the challenges on the global stage of motor racing.  This is further proof that we Malaysians can achieve anything if we just focus on our goals and are given the opportunities.  AirAsia takes great pride in helping make Fahmi’s dream come true."