KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — Moto3 rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin will remain with Drive M7 SIC Racing Team until the end of this year.

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali said although he was disappointed with Zulfahmi’s performance, he decided to save the rider’s career.

“We will keep him to compete in the remaining nine races this year,” Razlan said.

“However, it is under the condition he needs to be in the top 15 or we will have to deduct his salary.

“For this year, he have to overcome whatever problem he is facing even though he will no longer be with the team next year.

“This is for his own good.”

Earlier, Zulfahmi was reported to have some psychological problems that stopped him from producing good results.

The Klang-born believed he has become too scared to ride fast.

Zulfahmi sustained a wrist injury after crashing at the Grand Prix of Aragon in Spain in October 2013.

Since then, Zulfahmi’s performance has been in the dumps and many thought the 23-year-old would never be the same again.

Razlan admitted he was in dilemma to cut the rider off but at the same time, he needs to think of the team’s best interest as well as Malaysian motorsport development.

Zulfahmi said he was overwhelmed with the decision and would fight for the best.

“I appreciate the team still has trust in me, even though it’s just until the end of the year.”