Zulfahmi secured seat in MotoGP 125

Malaysia’s 125cc rider, Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin left for Italy on January 15, 2010 to attend the winter training programme to make preparations for the upcoming 2010 season of the World Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP).

Although feeling a little bit down under leaving his family behind to pursue his lifelong dream career, the 18 years old believes sacrifice is necessary if an individual wishes to succeed above all else.

The humble rider from Banting tells us of his hopes and expectation and how he spends his days before his flight took off. Parents, Khairuddin B Weji and Zarinah bt. Parijan also lets us in on their insight letting Fahmi race on the world stage.

Fahmi, tell us what are your days like after your spot to ride for Ongetta I.S.P.A was confirmed?

Since the word that I will ride for Italian based team, Ongetta I.S.P.A became solid my days in Malaysia was all about making preparations. Aside from the normal routine of keeping fit by doing light exercises such as jogging and weight lifting at home, I did a lot of shopping too.

Shopping sounds fun. Mind listing down what you bought?

Some shoes, bags and clothes. Never in my life have I shopped so much, but considering I’m about to start a new life in a foreign country far away from home, it’s necessary. But, what I bought here are just basic attires. Stuff like winter gear will be more practical if bought there because it is cheaper.

Other than that, I also bought a laptop and a Playstation Portable (PSP). With the laptop I am able to communicate with my family and friends in Malaysia and also the various parties involved in granting me the opportunity to ride full season in the MotoGP a reality. The PSP’s function is pretty much clear-to keep me occupied when I’m bored (laughs).

We understand your schedule commences the moment you touch down. What are your days like over there?

Yes, the winter training programme with the team will be very hectic and I have a lot to catch up with. Just like any other professional sport, for now my days there revolves around fitness training. Testing will only start after the winter programme. From what I understand, a normal day starts with jogging, riding a mountain bike, motocross and swimming. The only time I get to rest my mind and body is on weekends.

Judging by the looks, no doubt it will be intense given the circumstances but yet, I can’t help but feel excited. Surely it’ll be hard getting used to- just like how I first started the Malaysian Wildcard programme. It felt hard and challenging at first but once I started to get the hang of things, the training became fun and I looked forward to it almost every day.

In a way, the tight schedule will help keep my mind off from thinking too much about home.

What do you think you will most when you get there?

Family, friends and the PETRONAS AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship of course...

Where I’m headed isn’t exactly within driving distance and to fly back home frequently will prove to be costly. My dad is fine with the whole idea of me travelling far and wide but my mom isn’t. She understands very well it’s my dream but she can’t help but feel sad about it.

Thankfully we have the internet now. I’m working something out to get a computer and broadband internet connection for my family so we can communicate as often as possible. Phone calls in general are expensive. Once in a while would be fine but on a day to day basis, communicating on-line is more practical. On top of that, we can video conference and see each other faces!

Aside from good Malaysian food, I will definitely miss the Cub Prix Championship and Modenas Yuzy Pachi Racing. This is where I picked up my knowledge about racing thus obvious why I feel a deep sense of connection to it. I owe it to these two parties and sponsors making it possible for me to race in the MotoGP and not forgetting friends I’ve made along the way.

Do you have any encouraging words for fellow Malaysian riders who share the same dream to race in the MotoGP Fahmi?

If there’s a will, there’s a way. Set a target for yourself and don’t stop until you achieve it. Along the way someone will notice your talent and determination and they will do everything in their power to make your dream a reality. In this case of two wheels motorsports, that will be the Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship.

Q&A with Fahmi’s parents

How does the family feel about Fahmi leaving?

Khairuddin: We have been preparing ourselves since the news he will race for Ongetta I.S.P.A broke out. It will be tough for us but I’m happy Fahmi will do something close to his heart as a career.

Zarinah: It’s a mixture of feelings letting Fahmi go as far as Italy to pursue his career. I am happy he found his dream but sad that it’ll require him to leave his family behind. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy but we understood very well there’s no changing Fahmi’s mind.

We understand as parents, you guys are worried of his well-being in Italy. Care to elaborate more?

Khairuddin: I am not really worried because Fahmi is a good kid with a kind heart. He is also a man now and he takes orders well and respect others. I’m sure he will be fine over there. Also, living in a foreign country will give him a lot of new experience.

Zarinah: For me it’s a different ball game compared to the Cub Prix Championship where Fahmi travels just within the peninsular with Modenas Yuzy Pachi Racing. At first I was quite hesitant about letting him go because I was troubled by how well will Fahmi adjust to the new environment.

Furthermore, he has never been this far from home except when he left for the tryouts in Valencia last year. On top of that, Fahmi is also my eldest son. This makes it harder for me to let him go.

So, how did you finally agree to let Fahmi go?

Zarinah: Only after Shahrol Yuzy explained how Fahmi will be living his life in Italy, I felt more at ease letting him go. No doubt, knowing we won’t get to see him every day will definitely sadden us. Yet, as parents we understand it has always been Fahmi’s dream to be a professional rider, even since he was a little kid. This is why I’m blessing Fahmi’s in his next step of racing career.

What were your final words for Fahmi?

Khairuddin: I told Fahmi the path to his dream is now laid in front of him. As a parent, I hope he gives nothing less than his best to in training or a race day. And as a Malaysian citizen, I told him to make us proud.

Zarinah: Of course, as a mother it’s custom to give a long lecture. I reminded him to take good care of himself, do not get into trouble, never forget where you came from, your family and don’t forget to say your prayers. I also made sure Fahmi understood the whole family is very proud of him, especially me and his brothers who look up to him as their own personal hero.