Riders from the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), who are in Malaysia for the 2016 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship happening at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) this weekend, recently visited the GIATMARA Centre in Batu Caves Kuala Lumpur for an exciting engagement with students.
GIATMARA is a training institution placed under MARA, an agency under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development Malaysia that provides vocational education to youths from urban and rural areas.
Riders and team technicians from the WorldSBK and World Supersport (WorldSSP) categories were present to share insights and behind-the-scenes experience relating to technical knowledge, riding skills and performance, and safety in superbike racing.
Among the WorldSBK riders representing their bike manufacturers that participated in the activity were Nicky Hayden for Honda, Jonathan Rea and Josh Hook for Kawasaki, Jordi Torres for BMW and Leon Camier for MV Agusta. Joining them were WorldSSP riders Jules Cluzel for MV Agusta and Malaysian rider Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin for Kawasaki. The event, graced by Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Minister of Rural and Regional Development Malaysia, also saw the attendance of representatives of SIC and Dorna – the rights holder for the WorldSBK championship.
Dato’ Razlan Razali, Chief Executive Officer of SIC, said the activity was an opportunity for students from GIATMARA to get hands-on experience and learn from professionals in superbike racing. “We are pleased to make this event possible. Through this joint effort, we hope that the students who met and learned from superbike racing stars such as Jonathan Rea and Nicky Hayden will be inspired by this experience and gain benefit, adding to their learning experiences at this centre,” he said.
The students participated in short theory and practical classes, including a session on safety in racing, all facilitated by the WorldSBK and WorldSSPriders and technicians. Members of the public were also invited to meet the WorldSBK and WorldSSP riders in conjunction with the Karnival Rakyat organised by GIATMARA.
Dato’ Azian Osman, Chairman of GIATMARA Malaysia commented, “The students of GIATMARA were elated to meet with the WorldSBK and WorldSSP riders today. It means a lot to these students who come from various backgrounds, but have a strong interest in learning more about motorsports. What better way than to gain practical knowledge and hands-on learning directly from the WorldSBK and WorldSSPriders and their team technicians. We are grateful that the riders could take time off to meet and share knowledge with these young people, and hopefully inspire them.”
The riders were enthused by the eagerness of the students. Apart from participating in the classes, collecting autographs and taking pictures with the riders, the youths also demonstrated how to make teh tarik at the beginning of the session, and were joined by riders and technicians keen to test their skills at preparing the famous Malaysian drink. The presence of Zulfahmi Khairuddin, who is making history this year as the first Malaysian to race in the WorldSBK, in the WorldSSP class, thrilled the students, thus ending the session on a high note for both riders and students.
The event culminated with a visit to Batu Caves, an iconic and not-to-be-missed Malaysian attraction situated close to GIATMARA. For Nicky Hayden, rider for Honda World Superbike Team, his first visit to Batu Caves, after a number of visits to Malaysia for superbike championships, turned out to be a treat. “My focus is on the race this weekend, but it is also important that I get to interact with the fans. Coming out here to GIATMARA and to Batu Caves was indeed a great time for me,” he said. Having previously raced in Sepang, Hayden looks forward to the challenge of the newly resurfaced track. “I enjoy racing at Sepang, with the hot weather, and great support from Malaysians. Love the atmosphere here!” he added.
The jovial Jordi Torres, who represents Althea BMW Racing Team, was excited overall with the string of events that happened today. “I like it very much here in Malaysia. The people are always friendly, and it’s good that we got the opportunity to share our experiences with the students especially,” he said.
The 2016 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship takes place from 13 to 15 May 2016 at SIC.
