The new 2018 Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) season opens this weekend with an added spice as Sepang International Circuit (SIC) put its teenage recruits under its landmark ‘Impian ke MotoGP’ programme to test against the big boys.
Competing in the Super 250 category, Muhammad Harith Haziq, Danial El Fahim and Mohd Daniel Syahmi – three of five riders selected under the programme – have declared that they are all ready to make an impact at the prestigious championship.
“We have been practicing very hard and are really looking forward for this new challenge to compete in the MSBK under the banners of SIC. This is a big challenge for us; but we aim to do our very best and make SIC, our family and those who believe in us proud. We thank SIC for this opportunity and for believing in us,” said Mohd Daniel in representing his partners.
Two other recruits under the Impian ke MotoGP programme – Muhammad Izam Ikmal and Muhammad Idil Fitri – are competing in the FIM CEV Repsol Championship in Spain and the Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) this season.
Apart from the Super 250 category, other racing categories under the MSBK this season are the Superbikes category, Superstock category and Supersport category; where all technical and competition rules are in accordance the rules and regulations for the FIM World Superbike Championship, or WorldSBK.
Promoted and organised by SIC, the championship will run for five legs with the one-make Desmo Ducati (Supersport & Superstock) category to be introduced in Round 2, which is scheduled from July 27 to July 29.
Hailed as the national championship for motorcycle track racing and participated by the best Malaysian riders, MSBK also attracts top international riders from as far as Europe, India and Australia.
Unlike previously where riders are divided into Category A and B, the new season of the MSBK will classify the riders into two groups according to their racing experience – Open and Rookie to provide a level playing field for the riders and to enhance the excitement in the competition.
The official race programmed for Round 1 is slotted for Saturday (12 May) and Sunday (13 May). But, in support of the competing teams and riders, SIC has allocated Thursday (10 May) and Friday (11 May) for paid test sessions.
Full details of the paid session schedules are available on SIC website at www.sepangcircuit.com. Fans are most welcomed to enjoy all the actions from the Main Grandstand at no charge.
