Zulfahmi Khairuddin bracing for tough battle in Aussie GP

National Moto3 rider Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin is expected to face a mountainous task in the penultimate round of the Moto3 world championship at Phillip Island, Australia this weekend.

This follows his excellent performance by securing the first ever podium win, besides a sensational pole position at the Malaysian MotoGP last weekend.

The 21-year-old Banting-born rider is not unfamiliar with Philip Island - the traditional home of the Australian Grand Prix - as he had competed in the GP125cc category there during his previous two visits.

However, he only managed a low 20th placing in last year’s race, besides failing to qualify in the main race in the first year in 2010.

"Australia will be a very difficult race. The circuit is very windy and the track is very tight. It’s very fast track and very challenging for the riders," Zulfahmi said in a statement issued here today.

With a total length of 4,448 metres, seven left corners, five right corners and a 900-metre stretch as its longest straight, the Phillip Island circuit is regarded as one of the fastest, most fluid tracks on the MotoGP calendar, providing some of the most spectacular racing in the MotoGP season.