WHILE Petronas Sprinta Raceline have 14-year-old Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah replacing Rizal Jantan in the Novice category, Modenas Yuzy Pachi Racing team have moved Md Farid Ahmad from the Expert category to join Mohd Afiq Azhar and Mohd Hanif Che Ani in the same category of the Petronas Sprinta AAM Malaysian Cub Prix Championship.
Farid, 20, who graduated from the Wira epg category in 2007, has been racing in the Expert class since the season kicked off in April. However, team manager Shahrol Yuzy Ahmad Zaini has decided on a change of strategy and put Farid's name down for the Novice last round at Batu Kawan.
As for Round Nine of the Championship at Utama Stadium, Kangar this weekend, Yuzy has confirmed Farid will race in the Novice category. "We opted to move Farid to race in the Novice category not because he is not performing well in the Expert category but because we are no longer in contention for the Expert title, and secondly, our 115cc machine is on par with the rest of the manufacturers so we are up for the challenge.
"Repositioning Farid in the Novice will help us to get a podium for Modenas. Farid is a smart rider and I believe with his experience, he will be able to chalk up some positive results."
Yuzy believes his decision will not dishearten Farid but instead will motivate the rider as he regains his confidence.
"In the previous round, he proved he still can deliver by finishing third in the timed practice session on Saturday. As for Sunday's heat, he was overly excited when in the leading pack and crashed but still made it to the final," added Yuzy.
For further inquiries, call Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd at 03-8733 8787 or visit www.malaysiancubprix.com.