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Moto2, Khairuddin pulls out, Tuuli steps in

The Malaysian rider has decided to retire from racing and commit to the “Impian ke MotoGP” project promoted by the Sepang circuit

Moto2: Khairuddin pulls out, Tuuli steps in

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Zulfahmi Khairuddin has decided to retire from racing, his place in the SIC Racing Team (a team sponsored by the Sepang circuit) will be taken by Finnish rider Niki Tuuli.

The 27-year old Malaysia debuted at his home track in 125 in 2009 and took part in the full championship as of the following year. His best season was 2012, when he finished 7th in the Moto3 standings with KTM, scoring an historic 2nd place finish at his home track. After two years in Supersport, Zulfahmi returned to the world championship this year, debuting in the Moto2 class. After 4 races he has decided to abandon racing and commit instead to the "Impian ke MotoGP” programme promoted by the Sepang circuit.

Tuuli started racing mini bikes at 9 years of age before moving on to the IDM Yamaha R6 Cup and the European Superstock 600 series. Last year he raced in Supersport with Mika Kallio's team and was also competing in the same cartegory this season before accepting the offer to move to Moto2.

"It has been one of my dreams and now it’s a reality - says Niki - I’ve been riding 600cc bike’s since 2012. Obviously Moto2 is different to Supersport but the SIC Racing Team is a good team with lots of experience, so with their help I believe I can adapt well to the new class. I got a chance to try the Kalex at the end of 2016 and now I’m anxiously waiting to ride it again. Everything will be new for me at Le Mans, the track, the bike and the team, so I need to go step by step. Now it’s not about any pressure, I just want to learn everything properly."

Translated by Heather Watson
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