HAFIZH NEARS MOTOGP DEBUT UNDER QATAR FLOODLIGHTS

PETALING JAYA: All eyes will be on Malaysia’s first MotoGP rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah, when he competes under the floodlights at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar this weekend.

The desert track in Doha hosts the season opener of a 19-round world championship with a night race.

Hafizh, having performed impressively during his first six days aboard the Yamaha YZR-M1 during testing, is focused on delivering a good show in his first racing experience in the premier class.

The action begins with the first free practice on Friday afternoon while the first race takes place on Sunday at 7pm.

Hafizh was picked as the late replacement for the ill German Jonas Folger last month, making him the first Malaysian to compete in the premier class of the motorcycle world championship.

His teammate in Monster Yamaha Tech 3 is none other than two-time Moto2 world champion Johann Zarco who chalked three podium finishes in his rookie season last year and is capable of challenging for a maiden victory this season.

The motorsports scene is already abuzz with excitement on Hafizh’s career progression to MotoGP but the 23-year-old himself does not want to get carried away.

“I’m so happy that I will ride the full season in MotoGP and I am definitely looking forward to the first round in Qatar.

“I will try to do my best for the team and all of my fans, who support me tirelessly. I am arriving at the opening weekend at 100% because I have been training really much over the last few weeks.

“I am very encouraged by the work we did during the test in Losail and in Buriram last month. I hope the hard work pays off from the start,” said Hafizh, who was the second fastest rookie in the final testing in Buriram, Thailand.

Team manager Herve Poncharal is hoping Hafizh will surprise the grid as the season progresses.

“He’s a very talented young rider and a charming guy. Hopefully, he will surprise quite a few people with his potential in the paddock,” said the Spaniard.

Malaysia will have representatives in all three categories. Zulfahmi Khairuddin took over the slot vacated by Hafizh in Moto2 to race alongside Khairul Idham Pawi, who is riding for Idemitsu Honda Team Asia.

Adam Norrodin will continue to fly the flag for Malaysia in Moto3 with Petronas Sprinta Racing.