Both riders had been written off before the start of the race — wild card entries granted as a sop to the host nation. But they displayed determination and desire, battling away and fending off more experienced competitors to clinch 16th and 20th places respectively. It was a proud and memorable moment for the riders and the team, as both Elly and Fahmi are the first two wildcard riders to make it into the top 20 this season.

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes was ecstatic. He said, "We are very proud to be a part of this excellent feat. Competing in the MotoGP is the ultimate dreams of Elly and Fahmi, and we are very happy to have made it come true. To see both of them competing against the best was an inspiring sight. This shows that given the right opportunity, it is possible for Malaysians to compete with the best and shine. All we need to do is to put our hearts and minds to it.

"Just like when AirAsia was launched as a low-cost carrier, the doomsayers wrote us off but we proved them wrong. These boys remind us so much of our very own efforts. In their maiden foray into the world of MotoGP racing as wildcard entrants, they faced a lot of scepticism from the naysayer.  But they proved their capabilities, demonstrated their resolve and showed that Malaysians can compete with the best. We are so proud of them, and so should the nation" Fernandes added.

Elly started at 25th place on the grid, but fought his way up the field to finish the 19-lap race in 16th place out of 32 riders. Elly, riding an Aprilia RSW125 in AirAsia red and white colours, finished the race in a total time of 43:50.770s. He clocked a best lap time of 2:16.783s on Lap 6.

Fahmi also had an excellent outing when he crossed the finish line in 20th place in 44:49.695s. The 18 year old, who raced on a Yamaha TZ125, was very competitive against the more experienced field of riders.

Motorsports Association of Malaysia CEO Mia Sharizman Ismail said, "We are happy with our riders’ performance. They have not only achieved but surpassed the target set by the team. Coming in on 16th and 20th places was indeed beyond our expectations. This is indeed a collective achievement – our riders, mechanics, engineers and team members have all contributed to the outstanding feat.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to thank AirAsia for their faith in the riders and confidence in the team. AirAsia has given us a lot of inspiration from the start by its credo - dream the impossible, believe the unbelievable, never take no for an answer. We could really relate to it,," Mia added.

On his achievement, Elly said, "I was not feeling nervous at all and my strategy was to analyze the riders in front of me in the first five laps. After that, I pushed (on) and managed to make my way up. I remained focused until I crossed the finish line. I would like to thank AirAsia for giving me the opportunity and making my MotoGp dream a reality. It was an honour to be out there riding a bike for Malaysia in AirAsia colours, as it represents excellence and success."

AirAsia is extremely proud to be associated with these young Malaysians — and to have sponsored the team. AirAsia believes firmly that Malaysia has much untapped potential — and that all it needs is opportunities to unleash the talent. "We have the talent, the technical competency and the mindset to compete, all we need is the opportunity. Just give Malaysians a chance, a real chance, and we can take on the best in the world," said Fernandes.