None in M'sian ranks to fill in as Zulfahmi's replacement in Moto2: Hafizh

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's first MotoGP rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah says there is no one in the Malaysian ranks to fill in as Zulfahmi Khairuddin's replacement in the Moto2 World Championship.
Hafizh, who did four seasons (2014/2017), including six wildcard appearances spread throughout three years from 2011 in Moto2, however has expressed support for Zulfahmi's decision to step down from racing in the Moto2 World Championship.
"Zulfahmi is a good rider. He is the first Malaysian to ever be on the podium in the world championship while racing in Moto3. While racing in the World Supersport Championship, he also managed a podium finish.
"I don't see anyone else with his quality, able to replace him. Maybe, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman. He had experience in the Moto2 World Championship but his current contract might be a huge stumbling block," said Hafizh in a statement issued by Sepang International Circuit (SIC) today.
SIC Racing Team and rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin will part ways in the Moto2 World Championship (MotoGP) after a mutual agreement, effective May 8.
After four races in the 2018 season, the former Moto3 and World Supersport Championship rider, has made a decision, supported by the team to not continue in the Moto2 championship.
"Honestly, it's not something easy to do. It's not as if you can just start the engine and start winning. All Moto2 bikes use the same engine, but as we ride on different chassis, rider's skill comes into the picture.
"I didn't start immediately in the world championship. I tried my hand at riding a 600cc bike in the Australian championships before I raced in the FIM CEV. Then, after a few wildcards in the world championship, I raced for four full seasons," said the Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider.
Zulfahmi was announced as a replacement for Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah who was signed to ride for MotoGP outfit Monster Yamaha Tech3 team in February.
Despite ending his contract with SIC Racing Team, Zulfahmi will still be involved in racing in his current role as the mentor in the SIC-backed 'Impian ke MotoGP' programme – a programme to unearth raw talents in two-wheel racing. — Bernama