FAHMI ENDS FINAL DAY OF PRE-SEASON TEST 1 WITH ANOTHER TOP 10 PERFORMANCE

AIRASIA-SIC-Ajo’s, Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin proved that he has what it takes to roll with the big boys when he ended the final day of pre-season tests in 9^th yesterday, consistently churning out top 10 performances during the 3 day tests in Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia.

Fahmi, 20, tried out his new KTM factory bike and manage to keep consistent speed during the entire three-day testing. He made it to top ten on the unofficial time list every single day.

“I am glad and very pleased with the KTM-bike. It worked just fine,” enthused Fahmi.

The Banting born rider set a best lap time of 1.42.0 on the final day, following his remarkable 1.42.4 and1.43.0 which he set on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

“I was able to improve my time lap after lap and day after day. I believe that we will have a good GP season. My target is to stay on the top ten list,” said Fahmi.

AirAsia Berhad Group CEO Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes said "Fahmi is proof that Malaysians are able to compete internationally. His achievement did not come instantly, and he still has a long way to go. This is what development is all about.  We are committed to continue supporting the development of youth and making  dreams come true.  Congratulations Fahmi, we look forward to more fantastic results in the future."

Team leader Aki Ajo was naturally happy with Khairuddin´s performance. “Fahmi did a great job! He started testing calmly, which is typical for him and then improved his speed all the time. He made his best time just during the last minutes,” said Ajo.

Sepang International Circuit Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Razlan Razali was obviously ecstatic but urged everyone not to get carried away as there is still a long way to go before the season starts on the 8^th April in Losail, Qatar.

”Obviously we are all ecstatic with Fahmi's testing results which shows promise for 2012 season. However, it is just testing and we will review as the season starts beginning round 1. ”We need to be cautious and not be too over optimistic and confident,” said Razlan.

The hectic test season of the Moto3-class continues already next week. International Road Racing Teams Association´s second official testing will be held 16th-18^th of February at the Jerez circuit in Spain.