Relieved and grateful after MotoGP debut

WHAT a relief ! I am so glad to be done with my first race weekend in MotoGP. The Qatar Motorcycle Grand Prix was a great start to my MotoGP season and I am grateful to finish my first race safely and also score some points.

I think all the riders felt nervous prior to the first free practice (FP1) session, including myself, but by the second day it was pretty much business as usual for most riders.

I also felt nervous sitting on the grid before the race but once the ‘start’ lights went out, it all went away.

It took a few laps for me to really get comfortable in the race once I got used to the grip levels.

Qatar was the first time I attended all the MotoGP rider briefings.

I had to wait for some time on the grid before the pre-season photo shoot and took the opportunity to make a paper plane from the paper we were given.

Valentino Rossi found it funny and we had a brief chat, I know most of the riders in MotoGP but it feels good to get to know them better.

I always believe that when it is time to focus, I have to give it 100 per cent but when we are done with work, I try not to be so serious and just be myself. This is how I manage the pressure.

I get to meet a lot of Malaysian fans abroad at every race on the calendar but the fans in Qatar are some of the best.

I have got to know a few of them over the years and they really treat me well.

They are Malaysians working in Qatar and they often take me to eat the local food there and also shop for the local outfits.

This time my wife was with me and we spent some good time with our supporters, it was a good way to forget about work for a moment.

Overall, I am happy with how I did in Qatar but I believe there is still a lot of work to be done. I have promised my team (Monster Yamaha Tech3) that I will work hard and I won't let Malaysian fans down.

Overall, I am happy with how I did in Qatar but I believe there is still a lot of work to be done.”