Faito YSP Racing switch allegiance to Honda this season

PETALING JAYA: Faito YSP Racing have switched their allegiance from Yamaha to Honda for this season’s Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship.

The team, who had been competing under the Yamaha banner since their establishment, have opted for Honda bikes and have retained riders Mohd Hafiza Rofa and Mohd Shafiq Rasol for the Wira category.

Faito YSP Racing team manager Lee Waye Siang is confident his riders will be able to cope with the new machines despite the opening-leg of the championship being just around the corner.

The opening leg will be held at the Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang from March 31April 1.

“We have switched to Honda to ensure competitiveness. It won’t be easy for the riders and the mechanics as they need to start from square one,” said Waye Siang.

“We will need more time to fully understand the new bikes but I’m sure that after a few tests and extensive planning we can start to develop a competitive set-up.

“Besides, the Wira technical regulations are very strict and limited so there are only a few areas we can work on.”

Waye Siang also believes that Hafiza and Shafiq have what it takes to become Wira title contenders this season.

“It’s hard to say how we will finish each race but our riders are capable of challenging for the Wira crown,” said Waye Siang.

“Hafiza finished second overall in his debut last season while Shafiq improved tremendously in the last three legs ... but they still need to focus on adapting to the Honda bikes and help the mechanics tune them up.”