[size=1em]PETALING JAYA: Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah (pic) put up a brave performance to cap a superb MotoGP debut with world championship points in the bag.
[size=1em]Hafizh was 17th after the first lap of his first-ever premier class race but fought with much more experienced riders to cross the finish line in 14th (42:54.953).
[size=1em]The Malaysian MotoGP rookie, who started from 15th on the grid, scored two championship points for Monster Yamaha Tech 3.
[size=1em]Hafizh, who got his break after he was picked to replace German Jonas Folger at the last minute, was thrilled to bring back home the first-ever MotoGP points for Malaysia.
[size=1em]“I felt really good in the race. I want to say a huge thank you to my team because they did a great job,” said Hafizh.
[size=1em]“I finished my first MotoGP race inside the points, which is even beyond my target.
[size=1em]“But when you put your focus and your motivation, it is possible.
[size=1em]“Around seven laps to go, I changed the power of the bike and four laps later, I switched back again.
[size=1em]“It’s a huge part of my learning curve to understand the electronics,” said the 23-year-old, who admitted he had butterflies in his stomach at the same time.
[size=1em]“I was a bit nervous, I didn’t want to make any mistakes and end up in the gravel.
[size=1em]“I hope I can improve in the next race and challenge the other riders.”
[size=1em]Teammate Johann Zarco built up a good lead from pole position in the first 17 of 22 laps but struggled with his tyres and slipped to eighth position (42:41.766).
[size=1em]In Moto2, Idemitsu Honda Team Asia rider Khairul Idham Pawi finished out of the points.
[size=1em]Khairul placed 23rd while fellow Malaysian Zulfahmi Khairuddin, riding for SIC Racing, ended 28th.
[size=1em]The second round will take place in Argentina from April 6-8.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport ... BTSXijFhItpGvmyA.99