Team AirAsia-SIC-Ajo’s Zulfahmi Blazes His Way to Maiden Moto3 Podium Finish in Sepang     SEPANG, 23 OCTOBER 2012 – Team AirAsia-SIC-Ajo rider Zulfahmi Khairuddin created history by becoming the first ever Malaysian to step foot on the World Championship podium after finishing second at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix in Sepang last weekend. It was indeed the best birthday present for the youngster who turned 21 on Saturday after recording another historic feat by becoming first Malaysian an Asean rider to capture the pole position during the qualifying session.   Racing in front of his home crowd, the Moto3 rider was constantly given thundering cheers by his fans in a tremendously exhilarating race which saw him leading in the second half of the race. It was only at the last corner that Fahmi was overtaken by Sandro Cortese and the German took the chequered flag merely 0.02 seconds ahead of the local hero.   It was definitely a proud moment for AirAsia as the airline has been supporting Fahmi since his entry in the MotoGP when he was part of the AirAsia Malaysia Wildcard Program back in 2009. After exhibiting promising talents and skills, AirAsia together with Sepang International Circuit (SIC) decided to form Team AirAsia-SIC and saw Fahmi racing in his first ever full MotoGP season the following year where he finished 24th overall.   In 2011, Ajo Motorsport joined the fold to create Team AirAsia-SIC-Ajo and Fahmi grew from strength to strength, developing into a better rider and was 18th in the overall standings at the end of the season.   The 2012 season has been great for Fahmi as he has scored points in almost all the races in the calendar. With the maiden podium finish, he is currently ranked 7th in the world championship table. The season has two races left and Fahmi is raring to go and hopes to continue with his brilliant form.   AirAsia Group CEO, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said, “This is truly a triumph not only for Fahmi but also Malaysia and Asean as there has never been a rider from the region who has been on a MotoGP podium before. Fahmi is a testament of someone who dared to dream and never take no for an answer. With passion, grit and determination, in just three short years he has grown from a wildcard rider to a top three race contender in the world championship.   “AirAsia is proud to have been there for Fahmi right from the start of his MotoGP career and we will continue to support him as well as the development of youth and sports in the region to ensure that talents like Fahmi will be given a chance to grow and shine in the world stage.”   It was a double celebration for AirAsia in Sepang as the race winner Sandro Cortese who is also racing under the AirAsia banner was crowned the Moto3 category overall champion.   The next race will be the AirAsia Australian Grand Prix happening from October 26 to 28, 2012 in Philip Island before the championship heads to Europe for the final race of the season in Valencia which will take place from November 9 to 11, 2012.   Photo captions: Pic 1: (From Left to Right) AirAsia Group Head of Brand and Ancillary Income Ishsal Ishak; Sandro Cortese (Red Bull KTM Ajo rider); Zulfahmi Khairuddin (Team AirAsia-SIC-Ajo rider); Arthur Sissis (Red Bull KTM Ajo rider) and Danny Kent (Red Bull KTM Ajo rider) celebrating Fahmi’s birthday at the AirAsia booth right after the Malaysian recorded his first ever pole position during the qualifying session at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix.   Pic 2: (From Left to Right) Zulfahmi Khairuddin (Team AirAsia-SIC-Ajo rider); Sandro Cortese (Red Bull KTM Ajo rider) and Jonas Folger (Mapfre Aspar Team Moto3 rider) on the podium at the Malaysian Motocycle Grand Prix. Fahmi who came in second at the race is the first ever Malaysian to have a podium finish in the MotoGP.   Pic 3: AirAsia flight attendants posing with Zulfahmi’s motorbike during the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2012.   Pix 4: Zulfahmi Khairuddin (Team AirAsia-SIC-Ajo) leading the race at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2012.   Pic 5: Zulfahmi Khairuddin (Team AirAsia-SIC-Ajo) in action at the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2012.   Pic 6: (From Left to Right) Danny Kent (Red Bull KTM Ajo rider); Zulfahmi Khairuddin (Team AirAsia-SIC-Ajo rider); AirAsia Berhad CEO Aireen Omar; Arthur Sissis (Red Bull KTM Ajo rider); Sandro Cortese (Red Bull KTM Ajo rider) and Aki Ajo (Team Manager of Ajo Motorsport) during their to the AirAsia office at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal in Sepang, Selangor.