Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah enjoyed another positive run in the World Motorcycle Championship as the PETRONAS Raceline Malaysia rider took another point despite starting the French Grand Prix from ninth row at the Le Mans Circuit on Sunday.
A rocket start combined with precision riding saw the PETRONAS Raceline Malaysia rider finish the 26-lap race 15th in 43.18.368s after a lengthy battle with Italian Louis Rossi, Australian Anthony West, Sandro Cortese of Germany and Swiss’s Randy Krummenacher.
Finland’s Mika Kallio won the race in 42’41.696s with Simone Corsi and Esteve Rabat completing the podium with 42’42.711s and 42’42.999s respectively.
Despite the outcome, Hafizh was pleased to reach the team’s target to finish within the points on the 4.185 kilometer circuit.
“We had a great race and it feels good to meet the team’s objectives. Thanks to the crew who has been working hard since day one trying to give me the best setup,” said Hafizh.
Hafizh went on to elaborate on his fifth Grand Prix and commented, “I took a huge risk at the start of the race and hit the brakes quite late going into turn one and almost lost control of the bike. On the bright side that move saw me pass 11 riders at once.”
“From there my sights were set on finishing as high as 12 but I could not pull away from the group and in the second last lap Anthony and Krummenacher overtook me. Of course I can’t help but feel a bit disappointed but considering we could keep pace with the middle group is something really positive for the team and we intend to improve further in the upcoming rounds,” he said.
Round six of the World Motorcycle Championship will take place at Mugello in Italy on 1st June.
Moto2 Race Results
1.Mika Kallio (FIN) 42’41.696s 2.Simone Corsi (ITA) 42’42.711s 3.Esteve Rabat (SPA) 42’42.999s 4.Maverick Vinales (SPA) 42’43.883s 5.Luis Salom (SPA) 42’45.315s
Selected
15.Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah (MAS) 43’18.368s
