Not a good day for our boys in Texas

PETALING JAYA: It was a tough day at the office for Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah and Khairul Idham Pawi in qualifying at the Americas Grand Prix in Texas, the United States.

The third practice session for MotoGP on Saturday had to be called off due to thunderstorm and Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider Hafizh had even less time to get to grips with the ultra-demanding track on his new bike.

Hafizh had no chance to improve on his times to fight for a place in Q2 and eventually was placed 21st (2:07.308).

Hafizh, who will start from seventh row of the grid, was not pleased with the outcome.

“I had a really good feeling with the bike on Friday, so we used the same set-up in qualifying. But I don’t understand why I did not have the same sensations. I was struggling to stop and turn the bike,” said Hafizh. “To be honest, I’m a bit disappointed. “I thought we could improve our time a bit more.

“To start in P21 is not what I was wishing for but we keep pushing and learning and try to push even more come race day.

“I aim to find a good pace in warm up and hope I can stay inside a good group of riders to do a strong race like in Argentina,” he added.

Khairul was unable to ride comfortably after crashing in practice and was unable to get out of Q1 in Moto2.

The Petronas Sprinta Racing rider finished 23rd fastest (2:13.645).

“I am not feeling completely okay after yesterday’s crash. My back still hurts and so does my shoulder,” said Khairul.

“I also did not go out for the third practice session.

“It would have been better to have had that session after the crash, to regain confidence because it is difficult to adapt when you’re going directly into qualifying.

“At no time did I feel comfortable and it was difficult for me to set a fast lap,” lamented Khairul.