Syarifuddin Azman
Syarifuddin Azman

WORLD Championship-bound Syarifuddin Azman has set his sights on winning the Moto3 Rookie of the Year title next season.

Though the list of riders for the Moto3 grid next year has yet to be finalised, Syarifuddin has a good idea of his rivals for the rookie title.

The 20-year-old's slot in the lightweight class next year has already been secured. However, his new team will only be revealed on Friday.

"I was really happy when Zulfahmi Khairuddin broke the news about my move to the (senior) World Championship next year," said Syarifuddin, who has been racing in the Moto3 World Junior Championship for the past two years.

"It was my target to spend only two years in the junior event before moving up.

"I am grateful for this opportunity and am not taking anything for granted. I will work hard to prepare myself for next season.

"My target for next year is to fight for the Rookie of the Year crown.

"A few riders from the World Junior Championship will also be moving up next year, so I am quite familiar with my rivals.

"The team I am joining had previously raced in the 2017 World Championship. They are rejoining Moto3 next year."

Former Moto3 rider Zulfahmi currently manages young riders under Sepang International Circuit's rider development programme.

Syarifuddin, who won race one at the Catalunya round in June, is 14th in the Moto3 World Junior Championship standings with 44 points.

The final two races of the season will be held at Valencia on Nov 19-21. Fadhli Ishak