KUALA LUMPUR – The future of Moto3 rider Syarifuddin Azman will be discussed in a meeting between Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif and ZK Racing team principal Zulfahmi Khairuddin.
Syarifuddin, also known to local fans as Damok, is Malaysia’s sole representative in the world championships this year, riding for MT Helmets–MSi.
But last month, the Spanish team told Syarifuddin that his services would not be needed for next season.
“The original plan is to give Syarifuddin this first year to get used to racing in the world championships.
“It’s difficult for most riders to hit the ground running, but since MT Helmets-MSi has decided to go with a different rider, we’ll have to figure something out for Syarifuddin.
“It also depends on seat availability in Moto3. There aren’t many right now, hopefully, we can secure one for him,” Azhan told reporters after the Motorsports Association of Malaysia’s (MAM) Annual General Meeting yesterday.
He added that he will sit down with Zulfahmi to discuss Syarifuddin’s future, and the team principal is knocking on every door to find a seat for the 21-year-old racer.
“We don’t have a budget allocated yet, it all depends on whether the government comes in (with funding) or sponsors come in to support the seat,” he said.
Meanwhile, when asked about ticket sales for the Malaysian MotoGP, which will take place from November 10 to 12, Azhan said that they are on track to hit their target.
“Since the announcement of the ‘Tiket Rahmah’ initiative, we’ve seen a jump in sales but it is still slow.
“But we are not worried, as from what we have seen in previous years, sales will increase in the month leading up to the race.
“We’ve sold about 1,000 tickets for the K2 hillstand (where ‘Tiket Rahmah’ holders will be seated), right now the main grandstand, K1, and F stands are selling fast, so hopefully we will sell out for all these three grandstands,” said Azhan, adding that ticket sales are at 70% of their target. – October 6, 2023