Khairi eyes top spot in Taiwan
TWO-TIME Asia Supermoto champion Khairi Zakaria is ready to go full gas in the third round of the FIM Asia Supermoto Championship at Changhua, Taiwan this weekend after a relatively slow start to the season.
Khairi admitted that it took some time for him to settle into the competition this year but is optimistic of his chances at the K1 Kart Racing Training Circuit.
He finished off the podium in fourth and fifth in the two races at the opening round in Thailand in September.
"I was a little less satisfied when the season began. I nearly made it to the podium but was still behind," said Khairi.
"I was not used to the weather, location and a new list of rivals. But I am pacing myself better now with more understanding of the situation.
"I am confident that I can do better, better than my achievement in Indonesia.
"I hope that I can go one step further and take the top spot in Taiwan. I will try to minimise my mistakes during the race."
The 29-year-old finished second in both races at the second round of the series held in Solo Baru, Indonesia last month.
Khairi, who won the Asia Supermoto title in 2012 and 2013, added that preparation for the third round has gone well so far.
"I have a great supporting team that help to get me ready for each race.
"The crew and I have tuned the bike well and are now doing our final testing, hopefully everything is in place during the race."
Khairi is currently third in the overall standings (international class) with 78 points, trailing Thai rider Trakarn Thangthong (84 points) and Brit Lewish Cornish who leads the championship with 100 points.
Khairi is second behind Trakarn (94) in the Asian classification with 92 points while fellow national rider Habibullah Mohd Saleh is third on 80 points. Fadhli Ishak