Monday, Jan 19, 2009

It will come down to the final round this weekend before selectors would start their difficult task of picking the top two riders from the 2008/09 Junior GP programme.

The seven riders in the programme will congregate once again and for the final time to strut their stuff in hope of making the cut for the RS125 Challenge Cup this season. The two-day session (Jan 17-18) which will be held at the Sepang Go-Kart Circuit, is unlike any of the previous four sessions, each competitor is anxious to prove their mettle to win sponsorship to further their goals.

The Junior GP selection committee will closely monitor all seven riders starting their fitness level, demeanor and riding techniques. As usual, the two day weekend programme will end with a double race in final session on Sunday in which everything they have learnt, both in theory and practical, will be put to the final test. The best two riders and one reserve will be sponsored to race in the Junior category of the RS 125cc Challenge Cup held in the Malaysian Super Series this year. Thereafter if he or she wins the RS125 Junior class, the rider will earn sponsorship and travel to Spain for the “Red Bull Rookies 2009 Final Rider Selection” in November.

The bunch has been together since November, all have shown individual strengths and weaknesses. The competitive spirit within them has driven them to improve themselves tremendously whilst learning from fellow competitors’ flaws. It is expected to be an exciting weekend as the riders give their all to show the selectors why they should be chosen for a chance at making it, possibly all the way to the MotoGP.

Junior GP RS50 Recap

The Junior GP programme is an initiative of Moto Millia, Aprilia's Malaysia franchise holder and supported by Motorsports Association of Malaysia, for the sustainable development of young riders towards racing in world class grand prix. The programme has been tailor made to ensure an opportunity for deserving riders to materialise their racing dreams. The fully sponsored programme is open to all Malaysians between the ages of 11 to 15 years old. From 2009 Junior GP RS50 will accept applications from countries in the Asia Pacific Region for a fee to be announced at a later date. The programme is the first of its kind in this Region and is currently running for the second year.

The selection for the third year intake of 2009 is scheduled to take place in August this year with the programme running during the year-end school holidays. Applications will be open from 1st February.

For further press information you can contact Ghaz Ramli at 016-2430848 or log onto www.aprilia.com.my/juniorgp