Damok intends to stay in high gear for Zhuhai race

JAYA: Mohd Sharifuddin Azman (pic) is looking to continue the good momentum in the Asia Production 250cc race category in Round 2 of the Asia Road Racing Championships (ARRC) at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China this weekend.

The Idemitsu Boon Siew Honda Racing Team rider clinched third place on the podium in Race 2 in the opening round in Buriram, Thailand, last month.

Syarifuddin, also fondly known as Damok, may have the right experiences from the international front but riding among the Asians certainly induces a different kind of pressure and the trick to making it is by adapting as quickly as possible.

In this case, the former Moto3 world championship rider seems to have got what it takes

“The ARRC scene has definitely changed a lot from my perspective. There is a big difference from what it was like in 2019 during my first entry compared to what it is now.

“In terms of performance, competency and of course my own personal and professional growth over the years, everything is different,” he said

“I have grown a lot in my capacities and I’m able to perform better. I am quite pleased with it although I still have more to improve on.

“I learnt a whole lot from Round 1 and I know where we need to further improve. It is all about working on it and moving forward, and I would say that we are quite prepared for Round 2. Of course, we have the likes of our opponents, specifically Herjun whose machine is quite fast but again, nothing is impossible I suppose.

“I have rode on the grounds of Zhuhai before this and I am quite familiar with the layout of the circuit.

“The goal this season is to get my first win for my team.’’