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Zulfahmi waits with bated breath as SIC 'shifts priorities'

Zulfahmi waits with bated breath as SIC 'shifts priorities'

KUALA LUMPUR: Zulfahmi Khairuddin is waiting anxiously for Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to make a final decision on whether Hakim Danish Ramli will race on a Moto3 wildcard at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia (Oct 24-26).
The ZK Racing boss said discussions with them have been positive but stressed that ultimately, the decision lies in SIC's hands.
ZK Racing has run SIC's two-wheeled motorsports talent development programme on behalf of them in recent seasons.
"I have discussed this with SIC last week and they are also looking to make this wildcard programme (with Danish) a reality," said Zulfahmi recently.
"But they (SIC) have yet to make a solid decision so I cannot make the announcement yet. They have indicated that they are willing to bear the costs but it has to be discussed among their directors first."
Zulfahmi, however, admitted that he does have some concerns as he claims SIC's priorities have now shifted away from talent development.
"I believe that talent development remains a factor but is no longer a priority for SIC as it was previously. This is because they also have to focus on other areas. It (talent development) is no longer very important to them," added Zulfahmi.
"Nevertheless, as the person assigned to the task (talent development), I will continue to give my best.
"I hope a decision will be made soon so we can adequately prepare Danish to compete at the Malaysian GP. I know what it feels like to go to a race without testing on a uncompetitive bike."
Malaysian riders are often given wildcards to race in the Malaysian GP to help boost local fans turnout during the race weekend.
Danish is currently Malaysia's top young talent. He is leading the prestigious Red Bull Rookies Cup competition with only two rounds remaining this season.
SIC has played an important role in developing Malaysian talent in both two and four-wheeled motorsports over the past two decades.
Zulfahmi, a former Moto2 and Moto3 rider, himself had also benefitted from SIC's talent development programme during his racing years.
Adam Norrodin and Syarifuddin Azman are two World Championship riders SIC has helped produce in recent years while Danish, 18, is expected to make the step up to the Moto3 class next year.
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