Hafizh struggles with power setting
MOTO2 rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah endured a tough opening day at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix as he struggled to put the power down at the Phillip Island circuit yesterday.
Hafizh finished free practice one (FP1) in 20th position after clocking one minute 35.210 seconds and managed a marginal improvement to 1:35.065s for 21st in FP2.
Hafizh, who will leave Petronas Raceline at the end of the season, said he is optimistic of finding an improved setup in FP3 prior to qualifying today.
“We managed to improve our times throughout FP2, the bike was much better compared to during FP1,” said Hafizh.
“That said, the bike still felt a little harsh. It was difficult to carry a lot of speed as I was struggling to be in full control of the bike.
“The team had an extensive debrief after FP2 and we are looking forward to making some tweaks for FP3.”
Idemitsu Honda Team Asia’s Khairul Idham Pawi managed 29th in FP1 (1:37.023s) and 30th (1:36.286s) in FP2.
In Moto3, Adam Norrodin got a decent 11th in FP1 (1:39.353s) but suffered a minor crash in FP2 (1:38.892s) after pushing too hard on cold tyres but still managed 20th.
SIC Racing teammate Ayumu Sasaki did well to place third in FP1 (1:38.670s) and 16th in FP2 (1:38.505s).