In a surprise move, Malaysia is entering two Wildcard riders in the 2009 Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said, “We are proud to support Malaysia’s representatives in the grand prix.  Our sponsorship of the AirAsia Malaysia 125cc MotoGP Team reflects our policy of championing Malaysia and its 1Malaysia initiative.  We give our full support to this team, which aims to push forward Malaysia’s standing in the global scene and burnish the Malaysian brand.  We look forward to seeing our own Malaysian team reap honors for the entire country.”

Tony and AirAsia Deputy Group CEO Kamarudin Meranun are avid supporters of the 1Malaysia initiative and have been instrumental in the formation of the 1Malaysian F1 Team.

Elly, who has been designated first rider, will be using a 125cc Aprillia race bike prepared by Team Ongetta ISPA.  His appointment as first rider was made after careful consideration by the parties involved in the program, including Ongetta Team ISPA.

“This was decided late in the program, just one month before the race itself on October 23 to 25 here in SIC,” said SIC CEO Razlan Razali, one of the program directors.

He added that both riders have shown great dedication to the program and it would be a waste to let their passion die along with their hopes of racing in MotoGP.

“We registered both riders with Dorna when they were shortlisted down to two riders,” said Mia Sharizman Ismail, CEO of Motorsports Association of Malaysia, which is also involved with the program.

“Both riders had the same preparation done for them except there was only one bike. The second rider needed a bike to race on and we found that with a few upgrades the Yamaha bikes that the boys have been using can be made competitive enough for the race,” added Mia.

The riders were chosen from a pool of 19 riders who compete in the current Petronas Sprinta Malaysian Cub Prix Championship and the Malaysian Super Series Bikerz Mag 150cc Cup.

“We have worked extremely hard to carefully identify these riders and have made plans to provide them with all the support they need, whether it’s motivational or technical,” said Razlan.

Officially launched on May 13 at Sri Pentas TV3 at Bandar Utama, the riders – all aged between 15 and 28 –undergo a three-day trial from May 14 at Sepang Circuit where they were evaluated on their riding skills and techniques on Yamaha 125cc machines.

The panel of judges included Shahrul Yuzy, former 250cc rider; Fuad Baharuddin of  Asian Super Sport Rider; Ron Hogg from TWMR; Wan Razali Wan Mamat from MAM; Razlan Razali from SIC; and Razak Malique from Junior GP Sdn. Bhd.

The two drivers have been undergoing a comprehensive training program at SIC under the guidance of Shahrol Yuzy.  They also go through a physical training program with personal trainer Roman Engel.

The program was mooted at last year’s MotoGP which saw a Wildcard entry by Thailand. “We are organizing it but we don’t have our own rider in it.  This year we have two racing under the Malaysian flag,” exclaimed Razlan.

The 2009 Malaysian Wildcard Program is a result of collaboration and sponsorship between Sepang International Circuit and its partners in motorsports – Motorsports Association of Malaysia, Automobile Association of Malaysia, Two Wheels Motor Racing, Moto Millia, Hong Leong Yamaha, Dunlop, Petronas and Air Asia.

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