KUALA LUMPUR: Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah's father is grateful that years of hard work and determination have now paid off with his son’s move to MotoGP team Monster Yamaha Tech 3.
Abdullah Harun, 50, said the historic move was a dream come true for both Hafizh and his family. Hafizh is the first rider from Southeast Asia to compete in MotoGP.
"The hard work and sacrifice, it was all worthwhile, it really was," said Abdullah, who had been grooming Hafizh for a career in racing since he was a child.
"This is what he has been dreaming of all this while and is also what the family wanted for him. We are incredibly grateful it has become a reality."
Abdullah himself has a long history in motorsports as a mechanic and had introduced Hafizh to pocket bikes from a young age.
He, however, disclosed that he was surprised the move happened earlier than expected this year.
"I expected him to spend one last season in Moto2 this year before moving to MotoGP next season so it was quite a surprise.
"Hafizh himself had set some big targets for himself in Moto2 this year but when the opportunity came I told him to think about it carefully.
"I told him that chances like this don't come twice and that he should ask himself if he is ready. He said he will take on the challenge.
"And I believe he has done well so far. The results he achieved during testing at Buriram recently shows that he has potential."
Abdullah, who is currently with TKKR Racing Team in Thailand for the Asia Road Racing Championship pre-season test, added that he has plans to organise a ‘kenduri’ for Hafizh, prior to the MotoGP season.
The Losail International Circuit in Qatar will host the first race of the season on March 18.