End of line with Raceline after 10 years

AFTER much speculation in recent weeks, Petronas Raceline Malaysia confirmed that they will end a decade-long partnership with rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah.

Raceline announced that Hafizh will no longer race with the team next year.

He will, however, remain with Raceline until the end of the Moto2 season.

Hafizh has been a full season rider in Moto2 with Raceline since 2014, but was racing for them in various championships since 2007.

Raceline team owner Barry Leong discovered Hafizh during his pocket bike days and gave him his debut in the Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship.

Hafizh later moved up to compete in the Asia Road Racing Championships, Australian Formula Extreme Championships and FIM CEV Championships before making it to Moto2.

Barry said the two parties have ended their working relationship on good terms.

“It has been a wonderful journey, seeing Hafizh progress throughout his career from racing in cub prix then moving up the different classes,” said Barry yesterday.

“It, truly, has been an honour and a privilege for us as a team to have grown together with Hafizh.

“I have known and guided him since he was 12 years old, racing as a very talented boy, and now, a passionate young adult.

“However, for everything that has a beginning, there has to be an end, and we have come to a natural and amicable one.”

Barry, however, said that Raceline will continue to develop local talent to be competitive at a high level.

“Malaysia still has a pool of untapped talent that is waiting to be discovered. Moving forward, Raceline will continue to develop and groom these young talents, set higher goals for them and fully maximise their potential.”

Hafizh has enjoyed his best season in Moto2 to date, scoring two podium finishes at Motegi and Misano.

He is widely expected to race for SIC Racing Team in Moto2 next year with the team speculated to be grooming him for a shot at MotoGP in 2019.