Superbike World Championship (SBK) defending champion Tom Sykes (left) and Malaysian rider Muhd Zaqhwan Zaidi at the unveiling of the winner
SEPANG: Muhd Zaqhwan Zaidi, in only his second appearance on the world stage, is aiming to fulfil his dream at the FIM Superbike World Championship (SBK) round in Sepang this weekend by finishing among the point winners.
“The target is not just to finish ... but also to finish in the points. Hopefully, that will wipe out last year’s frustration at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix as I was involved in an unfortunate accident with five other riders during the first lap,” he said.
Zaqhwan is excited about being the first Malaysian to ride in the prestigious event at Sepang this weekend.
“This is a wonderful opportunity given to me and I’m grabbing it with open arms. I aim to do well not just for myself but also for Malaysia and the team,” he said.
Zaqhwan, who is contesting in the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship and the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) this year, is sponsored by SIC Racing Team and will ride for Ten Kate Racing Products.
The Dutch team, led by manager Ronald Ten Kate, have had tremendous success in the championships over the last 20 years – including winning nine world titles.
“The other aspect that I’m looking at is for me to gain as much experience and exposure as possible by racing at world-class level.
“After more than nine years in motorcycle racing, I’m happy with my career progress ... but, this year, I aim to take it higher. The target is to win the CP130 Malaysian Cub Prix Championship and finish in the top three in the ARRC,” said Zaqhwan, whose personal ambition is to follow the footsteps of compatriots Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman and Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah by competing in Moto2 at the MotoGP World Championship.
Malaysia are hosting Round 6 of the SBK series from June 6-8. Tickets are being sold at only RM80 for a grandstand experience.
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