Syahrin: Malaysian the second fastest rookie in Qatar

Hafizh Syahrin (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) impressed on his debut in Thailand, with the first Malaysian in MotoGP™ ending the test 22nd of 24 riders and soon getting to grips with the premier class despite joining the ranks two tests in. In Qatar, it made for even better reading – with Syahrin the second fastest rookie and P16 overall.

With the hugely different track lengths of Buriram and Losail, the deficit from the top is an unfair comparison if measured in laptime – but in terms of percentage, the Malaysian’s progress is clear. Just under 2% off his teammate in Thailand on first contact, Syahrin’s deficit in Qatar has dropped to just over 1% off Zarco – who also topped the timesheets in the third test. As expected, the ‘Pescao’ is a happy man leaving the desert.

“Now I feel very good and very confident with the bike,” says Syahrin. “Step by step, we’ve understood the team and the electronics. I think I’ve done a good job. I think I was second rookie on finishing the test.”

Second quickest debutant indeed, and wanting to move even further forward on race day – with the added physical challenge of switching to the premier class with much less time to prepare compared to his fellow rookies one thing he’ll be concentrating on between now and then.

“I think I was second rookie on finishing the test, but I hope I can be ready more on race day. I think we’re in a good condition, and I’ll keep working hard physically when I’m at home to be fresher and readier.”

The countdown is on – with lights out for racing in two weeks, on the 18th March. Check out some more on Syahrin below!