Zulfahmi ready for a Super time

FINISHING fifth yesterday in practice has made rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin feel he is ready for today’s World Supersport Championship at the Chang International Circuit in Thailand.

However, Zulfahmi admitted it has not been exactly smooth sailing as he faced some problems with his Kawasaki ZX-6R.

“I had a bit of engine trouble on the first day and was unable to get the lap time that I aimed for, but it was much better during the superpole,” he said.

The Orelac Racing VerdNatura rider clocked 1:38.205s, just 0.522 seconds behind leader, Frendman Jules Cluzekl of CIA Landlord Insurance.

Wild card Chalermpo Polamai shone on home soil with third, clocking 1:38.130s, racing for Yamaha Thailand Racing Team.

Zulfahmi’s teammate, Spaniard Nacho Calero ended 21st with 1:39.517s.

Under the new rules for 2017, those who finish race one in positions one to three will have their positions reversed and they move back to row three (positions seven to nine) with rows two and three (positions four to nine) moving up three places.

“I just hope that I don’t suffer the same fate as the first day and hopefully I get to achieve my target because starting in fifth will certainly make it easier for me to maintain,” said Zulfahmi.

The race in Thailand will be more open as main contenders such as reigning world champion Kenan Sofugolu (Kawasaki Puccetti Racing) and rival Jules Cluzel (CIA Landlord Insurance Honda) sidelined due to injuries.