Hafizh Syahrin will be a big talking point at the Buriram Test, with the Malaysian set to make his debut in the premier class at Monster Yamaha Tech 3. Known as ‘Pescao’ due to his prowess in the rain, Syahrin has three podiums in the intermediate class accrued throughout four seasons, and has shown some serious pace in ultra-competitive Moto2™.
After a first foray onto the world stage at Sepang in 2011, the following year the ‘Pescao’ arrived with a splash as he took a stunning third at his home track on only his second ever wildcard appearance. Not actually taking to the podium that day as a disqualification later confirmed Syahrin was the man in P3, it was nevertheless his first ever podium placement. In 2012, that same season, he also competed in the Moto2™ European Championship in the FIM CEV Repsol, coming sixth overall.
His first full season on the world stage saw him take four top ten results in a impressive rookie year. 2015 was another step forward with six top tens, and the year after that the number increased to 10 – more than half the season. Last year the Malaysian then finally got to enjoy a real visit to the podium, taking two rostrums finishes and both in the rain: second in the San Marino GP, from P14 o the grid, and third in the Japanese GP. In addition, he made a one off appearance back in the FIM CEV Repsol – and won.
One of the most interesting talking points about the Thai test will be seeing if Syahrin lives up to the expectations the team have, and whether he will therefore be a permanent fixture on the grid in 2018. Herve Poncharal, Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team Manager, confirms that decision will be finalised after the test…