KUALA LUMPUR: National riders are ready to put on a strong showing at the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix which will start on Friday.
The nations hopes at Sepang will rest on the shoulders of SIC Racing Team's Adam Norrodin, Petronas Raceline's Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah, Idemitsu Honda Team Asia's Khairul Idham Pawi, who are all full season riders, as well as wildcard Kasma Daniel Kasmayudin (Petronas).
Adam, Hafizh and Khairul endured contrasting fortunes at the Phillip Island round in Australia on Sunday but are all eager to make an impact at their home GP this weekend.
"Finishing in 16th place was rather disappointing, but that's the best we could manage at this (Phillip Island) demanding race track," said Hafizh, who will be leaving Raceline at the end of the season.
"The best thing for us to do now is to quickly turn our attention to our home race in Sepang. We hope to deliver a strong performance and give all our fans back home something to cheer about."
Fellow Moto2 rider Khairul, who finished 21st at Phillip Island, is also keen on impressing at Sepang.
"The next race for me in Sepang is very important as it will be held at home, in Malaysia," said the 19-year-old.
"I hope I can get a good result, I want to do it for my family, friends as well as the Malaysian fans."
SIC racing, who compete in Moto3, achieved their best result to date as a team when their riders Ayumu Sasaki (Japan) and Adam finished seventh and eighth down under.
"Of course it (Phillip Island) was a positive for the team and we will look to carry our momentum into the race at Sepang."
The wildcard will give Kasma, who is currently battling for the CP150 title in the Petronas AAM Malaysia Cup Prix championship, much needed experience at the international level.
Translated from Berita Harian