During a packed ceremony at the Sepang
MotoGP test, Moto3 star Zulfahmi Khairuddin was presented with two certificates to mark his place in the official 'Malaysia Book of Records'.
The certificates were for making Malaysian history during his home round at Sepang last October, when he became the first Malaysian to claim a grand prix pole position and then the first to take a podium finish in the race.
"It is a dream come true to be in the Book of Records," said Khairuddin. "I share this achievement with all the Malaysian people and the Sepang International Circuit."
Khairuddin came within a corner of winning last year's race, and has since moved up to the official Red Bull Ajo KTM team for 2013.
However the 21-year-old knows that making the next step, and further history, by becoming a grand prix winner remains a daunting task.
"I've been testing in Spain and I'm very happy with the bike and the team, but there is a lot of work ahead to win a race," he said.
Of his 2013 machinery, Khairuddin added: "The new KTM is very different to last year's machine. There have been a lot of changes to the chassis and the engine.
"I feel very comfortable with it and can't wait for the first race in Qatar."