KUALA LUMPUR: Recent rife speculation surrounding SIC Racing and rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin parting ways was finally answered when the Moto2 rider himself confirmed that last week’s Spanish Grand Prix (GP) was his last race with the team.
In a statement released to members of the media earlier today, Zulfahmi said that the decision was made with both sides agreeing to such an outcome after a discussion was held with Sepang International Circuit (SIC) chief executive officer, Datuk Razlan Razali in Jerez, Spain.
“After last weekend’s race in Jerez, I found it difficult to adjust to the conditions and to improve on my performance,” said the 26-year-old rider who was chosen to replace Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah who moved up to competing in MotoGP’s premier class this season.
“So after holding discussions with the team, I have made the decision that it is better for me to end my career in Moto2.
“I wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to all, especially Datuk Razlan and team manager, Johan Stigefelt for the trust and belief that was given to me to compete in Moto2.”
For the record, Zulfahmi was obviously struggling after being out of competitive racing for a long time, as he only managed a 28th place finish at the Qatar GP season opener in March, 26th place at the Argentina GP and 27th place at the United States GP.
In the fourth round at the Spanish GP last weekend, Zulfahmi suffered a stroke of bad luck when he failed to finish the race after having to endure technical problems with his bike’s gears which caused him to fall off his machine.
Zulfahmi’s decision to call it quits now raises the question of who will be chosen to replace the former Moto3 rider in the team with the French GP in Le Mans happening next week.
