Zulfahmi third fastest in practice
Zulfahmi clocks third fastest time in free practice session
MALAYSIA’S Zulfahmi Khairuddin of AirAsia-SIC-Ajo-KTM underlined his podium potential by coming in third fastest in the free practice sessions at the Sepang International Circuit yesterday.
He hopes that the good showing will be a catalyst for a front row grid position – and a podium finish.
“We had a good afternoon session and coming out third fastest is a bonus. We had some trouble with the suspension in the morning but it was rectified for the afternoon session,” said Zulfahmi.
“And yes, I am looking for a position on the front grid.
“The timing was also good for us and I’m confident our mechanics will ensure I have a competitive bike on Sunday.”
Zulfahmi was timed at 2:16.340 while Germany’s Jonas Folger, of Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3, was fastest in 2:15.038. Overall leader Sandro Cortese, also of Germany and from Red Bull KTM Ajo, was second quickest in 2:16.279.
Folger set the pace in both sessions, although the afternoon one was called off 10 minutes before the end due to a downpour.
Cortese’s chances of winning the crown in Sepang also received a huge boost when nearest rival Maverick Vinales of the Anintia Blusens team walked out of his team and will not compete in the remaining races of the season.
Cortese has 255 points – 56 ahead of Vinales (199) and 61 ahead of third-placed Lus Salom (194).
That means Cortese is effectively racing against Salom for the title.
Ironically, Salom will replace the German in 2013 when Cortese moves to Moto2.
Salom will also serve a five-place grid penalty tomorrow for causing a last-lap clash with leader Folger in Motegi, Japan, last weekend.
Cortese will be crowned champion if he finishes tomorrow’s race with a lead of at least 51points.
But it’s Zulfahmi that the fans will come to watch tomorrow as he chases his first podium finish.
“I’m confident and that (podium finish) is my target now. We have worked hard at each race and have brought down the time by a second in each race. There is no reason to think that we cannot get a podium finish here,” he said.
“As this is a home race, the crowd support will be crucial. The bike setting too is important and we want to get it right in the qualifying session tomorrow.”
Zulfahmi said that his best grid position this season was in second place at the Catalunya circuit in Spain in June.
Zulfahmi’s best finish for the season was in Estoril, Portugal, in May where he came out fourth.
This time he plans to go one better on home soil.