There’s a possibility that Sepang International Circuit (SIC) will run the first-ever Malaysian MotoGP team in 2019.
Rumours have indicated that the folks from SIC are heading to Jerez this weekend to work something out with MotoGP and Yamaha.
SIC might partner up with one of the existing private teams with hopes that they can bring in Hafizh, Yamaha, and some funds along with the deal.
We all know that 2019 will be a major season for the entire MotoGP grid. With the changes and additions satellite bikes and the possible reshuffling of riders, there are also rumours on Sepang International Circuit (SIC) securing the first Malaysian MotoGP team next season.
Sources indicated that the folks from SIC are heading to Jerez this weekend to try and work something out with getting a spot on the MotoGP grid next season. This might be harder than one thinks considering that all 24 spots are filled until the end of 2020.
With the Tech 3 squad ending the 20-year relationship with Yamaha at the end of the season, SIC is meeting up with the Japanese manufacturer as well in hopes that one seat of the Yamaha M1 can be reserved in 2019 (and hopefully, beyond) for our national rider, Hafizh Syahrin.
SIC’s initial goal of getting a Malaysian rider in the premier class by 2019 was fast-tracked this year when Jonas Folger decided to take a break from the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 squad. Due to a medical condition called Gilbert Syndrome, Tech 3 together with SIC made arrangements for our very own Hafizh Syahrin to join the team.
So far, Hafizh is currently the top rookie and with nine points collected in the first three rounds, he sits at P13 in the world championship ahead of the other four rookies AND seven other MotoGP riders (four of them are factory riders from KTM, Aprilia, and Ducati).
https://youtu.be/Xj9_rqzLu-0
There are a few ways on how SIC can achieve this but none of them will be cheap. The fastest (and probably, the easiest) way to accomplish this is if SIC is able to ‘buy out’ or partner up with one of the existing MotoGP private teams like Aspar, Marc VDS, or Avintia.
Some teams are keen on the idea of running Yamaha machinery next season and with a big budget boost from SIC, everyone might be happy with the move should everything go well. Currently, SIC is already handling four riders which include Adam Norrodin and Ayumu Sasaki in Moto3 (Petronas Sprinta Racing) and Zulfahmi Khairuddin in Moto2 (SIC Racing Team).
Whatever the case may be, it’s good to hear how fast and proactive Sepang Circuit is when it comes to not only the welfare and development of their riders but also, the future of continuing with the motorsport in the long run. Good on ya’, SIC.
Image source: MotoGP
