KUALA LUMPUR – FIM MiniGP world champion Qabil Irfan Azlan is set to make a significant leap in his racing career as he joins the ranks of full-time athletes in the Motorsports Development Programme under the auspices of the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
In a statement by SIC today, it said the 11-year-old prodigy would not only be relocated to but also be attending school in Selangor, following collaborative efforts between the Youth and Sports Ministry and SIC.
This strategic move is designed to streamline Qabil’s training regimen under the watchful eye of ZK Racing team manager Zulfahmi Khairuddin.
Alongside his rigorous training schedule, Qabil is geared up to compete in the FIM Mini GP Malaysia Series 190cc and Moto4 championships, with eyes set on the ESBK championship in Spain.
“Qabil is slated for an intensive training session alongside five other athletes gearing up for Asian and international tournaments,” read the statement.
In a pivotal decision, Qabil’s family is also making the transition to Selangor to provide unwavering support for his burgeoning career as a motorcycle racer.
The sports ministry and SIC are actively involved in facilitating the relocation of Qabil and his family, managing school transfers for his siblings, and assisting his father Azlan Abd Rahman in securing suitable employment in Selangor.
SIC added that the purpose behind Qabil’s move to Selangor was to ensure he received comprehensive exposure, guidance and training by utilising SIC and its state-of-the-art facilities as a centralised training centre.
Qabil’s ascendancy to the limelight began with his remarkable victory in the 2023 MiniGP World Series Final in Valencia, Spain, held on November 22 and 23 last year.
The announcement follows Qabil’s recent courtesy visit to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh at the National Sports Council in Bukit Jalil yesterday accompanied by his father.
Also present at the meeting were SIC chief Azhan Shafriman Hanif, National Youth and Sports Department Director-General Mohd Azhari Mohammad and ZK Racing boss Zulfahmi. – January 9, 2024