Malaysia’s Moto2 star Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah will put his superbike skills to the test this weekend as he takes up an offer from Project X Racing Team to compete in the season-ender of the Pirelli Malaysia Superbike Championship (MSBK) at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) on 2 to 4 December 2016.
The 22-year old rider from Ampang, Selangor, who finished 9th overall in the 600cc Moto2 world championship this year, riding for Team Petronas Raceline Malaysia, will be competing in the 1000cc Superbike Open class on a Yamaha R1.
“I would like to thank Project X Racing Team for providing this opportunity. I am targeting to keep myself fit and in top competitive form in this period, with the MotoGP season already over and testing only allowed beginning March next year,” Hafizh shared.
“It will also be good for me to further enhance my familarisation with the Sepang track. We race in Sepang every year, although it was different this year as the whole track had been resurfaced. Hence, I will take this opportunity to learn more about the fresh Sepang track,” said Hafizh, who finished fifth in this year’s Moto2 race in Sepang.
Despite his deep knowledge of the Sepang track, the Malaysian race was not his best result for the 2016 season, as the Malaysian had finished 4th on 3 occasions this year, at the Qatar, Catalunya and British MotoGP events.
Despite his international experience, Hafizh was quick to point out that he would not be the main favourite for this weekend’s race, saying that the competition level of the MSBK is high, especially with the participation of world class riders.
“For me, Cameron Donald would definitely be the favourite. He is very experienced, having won the Isle of Mann TT race. He is also a former Australian superbike champion. We also have top local riders in the race, with the likes of Ahmad Fuad Baharuddin, who had competed in the Malaysian Super Series, the Malaysian Cub Prix and the Asia Road Racing Championship,” Hafizh said.
“We must also always take the weather into consideration, and have the mind-set that anything is possible. I foresee a very exciting race this weekend. I am looking forward to enjoying the races and hope Malaysian fans can join us at Sepang as well to enjoy the weekend,” he added.
Unlike the previous rounds, this weekend will feature the concluding Rounds 4 and 5 on the same weekend. Free practice and qualifying for all categories – Superbike, Superstock, Supersport and the Production 250 classes will be held on Friday. Saturday will feature two races for Round 4 and Sunday will stage the final two races of the season for all categories for Round 5.
The final round of the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) for cars is also taking place at Sepang this weekend. The drivers, who are from the Touring Production and Malaysian Touring Car categories, will compete in a 300km endurance race to close the 2016 season.
Fans can catch all the action for free from the Main Grandstand. To get closer to the action, fans can purchase Paddock passes at the paddock entrance during the event days.
