Hafizh Syahrin (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) is typically cheerful, but he has something to be extra happy about at the end of day 1 of the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya. The Malaysian rookie finished 10th at the end of the day, just over one tenth behind veteran Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) and less than a second from the top of the timesheets.
This marks the best FP1 and 2 combined result for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider so far this season. His previous highest position on Day 1 was 15th at Mugello.
The 24-year-old says he’s surprised to have done as well as he did.
“I feel really good,” begins Syahrin “When we tested here I didn’t struggle but it was like I couldn’t improve my time at all. But, suddenly, on the first day, I went faster than the test straightaway.”
Analaysing why, Syahrin says that the team were able to gain a lot from the Italian GP, where he impressed once again to take P12 and top rookie honours.
“I think I was able to improve on the bike in the race at Mugello. I understand the bike and maybe the team understands my riding more. We’re working together and I’m working a lot. Now I’ll try to push straightaway from the start of FP3 so I can try to get a place in Q2.”
As the strongest rookie on the grid at the end of FP1 and 2 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, finishing inside the top ten and even holding off the likes of Marc Marquez and Jack Miller, let’s see how ‘El Pescao’ does this weekend. FP3 begins 9:55 (GMT +2) before qualifying later in the day.