Hafizh regains lead in rookie standings
the exceptions of Austin and Jerez, MotoGP rookie Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah has proven to be consistent so far this season.
The Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider scored his fourth top-15 finish of the season at Mugello on Sunday, finishing 12th as the best newcomer while Rookie of the Year rival Franco Morbidelli settled for 15th.
The result was enough to see the Ampang-born regain a marginal lead in the rookie category standings (on countback).
Hafizh is now 16th overall in the championship with 17 points from six races.
Morbidelli, who was expected to excel at his home circuit, also has 17 points.
Tech3 team principal Herve Poncharal said: “I think Hafizh did an amazing weekend.
“He was fast every day and never gave up.
“As usual, he kept his head down and climbed up to 12th position, one more time best rookie of the race, plus he got his top spot in the rookie championship back.
“We are very proud of him. The pass he did on (Tito) Rabat was very impressive, especially as we know how much down on speed we were compared to the Ducati.
“He really been riding with his head and his heart. Hafizh is becoming a very strong MotoGP rider,” said Poncharal.
The championship will head to Barcelona for the Catalunya Motorcycle Grand Prix on June 1517.