Clifford says Malaysia riders can be world beaters

MALAYSIA is capable of producing a MotoGP world champion in the mould of Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi provided that local riders avoid being easily content with their achievements.

That is the view of talent development specialist Peter Clifford who is currently here to advice Malaysia on how to churn out riders capable of challenging for honours at the world level.

The Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup director of rider development said Malaysia now has all the physical infrastructure and training programmes needed to develop top riders.

“It is fascinating for me to see the progress of Malaysian riders including Zulfahmi Khairuddin and have the greatest respect in regard to how high status the Malaysian GP has achieved now,” said Clifford.

“Sepang International Circuit (SIC) have put in place a fantastic programme here (Sepang) where everything is in place to help riders develop from early on, all the way up to being able to win a GP.

“We can find a Malaysian Marquez or Rossi. It is possible but it doesn't happen overnight.

Clifford is no stranger to Malaysia having played a role in developing the Malaysian Grand Prix (GP) since 1991.

“We need the kids that want to be world champions, the ones who are willing to put in the work and willing to elbow others out of the way," added Clifford.

“I think the kids who race in the underbone national series need to believe they can go further and win in higher level competitions. They should not just be satisfied with being on top here in Malaysia.

“This is not (just) a Malaysian problem.

“People around the world (who win national races) think 'oh I am a star, I am on TV, my mates come to my races and say how wonderful I am, I can afford a car’, so why bother?

"We want the kids who think that this is only the first step and will not stop until they become world champions. That is the attitude that has to be engrained.

"There are people in place here who can teach the skills but if you do not have the drive it is difficult. That competitive instinct is hard to replace."

Among the top riders that have competed in the Red Bull Rookies Cup are Johann Zarco, Joan Mir and Brad Binder who have all gone on to win world titles in Moto2 and Moto3.