Hafizh and Kasma off to Spain to prepare for Moto2
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah and Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin just can’t wait to burn tyres again.
Armed with clearance letters the duo left for Barcelona early yesterday morning to get ready for the resumption of the Moto2 world motorcycling championship.
Malaysia is not on the list of 15 countries allowed to enter Europe because of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. The respective teams have to obtain travel clearance from the Spanish authorities for their riders.
For Hafizh, who rides for Aspar Racing Team in Moto2, moving in early is necessary as he wants to take part in the special testing session arranged for the riders a few days before the season resumes in Jerez from July 17-19.
“For now, all the races are taking place in Europe and they have arranged for all the MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 riders to test their bikes on Wednesday. Riders must be coronavirus-free before they are allowed to enter the paddock.
“Testing the bikes will be important as well. It’s not the same feeling although I manage to train at the Sepang track on the same type of bike, the tyres and power are different,” said the 26-year-old, who moved back to the intermediate class after two seasons in the MotoGP category.
Hafizh is hopeful of securing a top-10 finish if things go right for him.
“I am grateful to all the parties who made my trip possible – the Youth and Sports Ministry, Immigration and National Security Council – for allowing me to leave and re-enter the country.
“I hope to give motorsport fans something to cheer as we have not seen many sport events for quite a while.”