KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 — Another national motorcycle racer Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman will compete in the World Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) racing starting with the 13th round in San Marino on Sept 11 to 13.
According to a statement from Two Wheels Motor Racing Sdn Bhd yesterday, Azlan Shah’s participation in the race was not on a ‘wildcard’ or by paying any team to get a place.
The 29-year-old racer will start the contest in San Marino and subsequent races by joining a team which is fully supported by Honda, namely, Honda Team Asia.
“What I can say is that this is the start to my dream. I have worked hard to get an opportunity like this and I’ve not done it by myself.
“I thank all parties who have helped me in my journey as a racer, especially my family and definitely Boon Siew Honda which has invested much in developing my career. And likewise, Honda Motor Japan which also recognises my ability,” said Aslan in the statement.
He will leave for San Marino as soon as the fifth round of the Petronas Asia Motorcycle Championship (ARRC) in Autopolis, Japan ends on Sept 8.
His selection was based on his excellent performance in 2012 and 2013 in the Malaysian AAM Cub Prix and ARRC races.
Azlan Shah became the fourth racer from participants of ARRC who would be racing in Moto2 after Thai racer Thitipong Warokorn and two from Indonesia, Doni Tata Pradita dan Rafid Topan Sucipto.
According to Boon Siew Honda MUSASHi team director, Datuk Seri Tan Hui Jing, Azlan Shah was the first Malaysian racer picked to join the GP team based on merit.
“We have invested much in his development until this stage and we will continue to endeavour to turn out racers of calibre. We also thank Honda Motor Corporation Japan for having faith in Azlan,” he added. – Bernama
