Petronas’ new rider Tuuli on the rise
Sprinta Racing team manager Johan Stigefelt believes it is only a matter of time before new signing Niki Tuuli scores a points finish in Moto2.
The Finn, who was signed as a replacement for Zulfahmi Khairuddin just before the Le Mans round, has endured a difficult start with the team as a crash he suffered at Assen in June saw him requiring partial amputation of a finger on his left hand.
He tried to make a comeback at the German round just a week later but was forced to abandon it as he struggled with pain.
Things, however, looked up at the Czech GP last week where he crossed the line 21st in the highly competitive intermediate class race.
“Niki did a really good job at Brno (Cze ch GP) after ret ur ning from his injury. He hasn’t had a race for more than six weeks and so the target was just to improve throughout and finish the race with more experience,” said Stigefelt.
“He did very well and actually finished with the smallest gap from the front so far this year. The more Niki is on the bike, the more he learns and improves and I think very soon he will be in the points. He’s done a good job.”
Tuuli, who has spent the past three seasons competing in the SuperSport World Championship, is eager to build on his performance at the Red Bull Ring this weekend.
“I’m really looking forward to this weekend because now I finally have one race behind me after my accident in Assen. I have a really good feeling after Brno even though the race result wasn’t what I wanted,” said the 22-year-old.
“But anyway I need to focus on the right things and continue to improve. I need to take it one step closer to the front. I know we can do a good job this weekend.” Fadhli Ishak