Khairul hopes to sizzle in Jerez
rider Khairul Idham Pawi is determined to spice up his riding and exceed the form which saw him win two races in 2016 when the World Championships resumes next month.
The Petronas Sprinta Racing rider will leave for Spain on Friday to prepare for the Spanish Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Jerez Circuit on July 17-19.
Khairul, as well as Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah and Kasma Danial Kasmayudin, who both compete in Moto2, received immigration clearance to travel to Spain recently.
Khairul has returned to Moto3 this year after spending three seasons in Moto2.
The rider, who finished 26th from 31 riders in the seasonopening Moto3 race in Qatar in March, believes he can do better after testing his machine at the Sepang Circuit recently.
“It has been almost four years since I last competed in Moto3, so I will still need some time to adjust, especially after spending most of last season injured,” said Khairul, who rides for Petronas Sprinta Moto3 team with Scotsman John McPhee, yesterday.
“The biggest difference in Moto2 and Moto3 is the cornering speed. Moto2 bikes are heavier thus the cornering speeds are slower.
“I hope to emulate my achievements in 2016 or to do better. The goal is to keep finishing in the points.”
On a lighter note, Khairul said he had spent a lot of time in the kitchen during the Movement Control Order period when outdoor training was not allowed.
“I spent a lot of time cooking, I like cooking spicy Malaysian food,” added Khairul.
“But since we have been allowed outdoors, I have done a lot of training on the bicycle.
“I enjoy (bicycle) riding because it helps me build my endurance."
Khairul grabbed headlines when he won two races in the wet as a 17-year-old in 2016 and was immediately promoted to Moto2 the following year by his former team, Honda Team Asia.