Habibullah takes shot at history
FIM ASIA SUPERMOTO: Rawang-born rider aims to become first Malaysian overall winner
AFTER coming close last year, Habibullah Mohd Salleh is determined to create history by becoming the first Malaysian to win an overall title in the FIM Asia Supermoto championship next week.
Habibullah is in prime position to clinch both the Asian category and International Open class title (which was just introduced this year) at the fourth and final leg of the series on Dec 17-18 at the Shah Alam Stadium.
The 25-year-old currently leads the International class with 121 points, 14 more than second-placed Andy McLiesh of Australia.
He topped the Asian class with 147 points with his brother Mohd Al-Amirul Ashshahid second on 125.
The KTM Malaysia rider said he cannot afford to make any mistakes at Shah Alam.
“It is my dream to win both categories, it would be the biggest achievement in my career to date,” said Habibullah, who is better known by his nickname Gabit.
“I want to do well with the final round being on home soil but it does put a little pressure on me as well.
“My points advantage in both categories is not that far from my rivals and I have to make sure I remain on the podium.
“The international class is very competitive and the riders from Australia (McLiesh) and New Zealand (Richard Dibben) are very strong.
“My own brother will also be a tough opponent in the Asian category, so either way, it won’t be easy.”
The Rawang-born added that he has been determined to make a run for both championship titles from the start of the season.
“KTM Malaysia have also done a great job to give me a competitive bike with their full support this year and I am grateful for that.
“I was not able to fully focus on challenging for the overall win last year but I was determined to do better this season, especially with the new international category introduced.”
Habibullah finished third in the series last year. Thailand’s Trakarn Thangthong took the overall title while Mohammad Khairi Zakaria came in second.