KUALA LUMPUR: After making positive progress in the one-day test at Brno, Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah is eager to get down to business at the Austria Motorcycle Grand Prix which starts on Friday.
The Monster Yamaha Tech3 rider, who struggled with handling issues during the race at the Czech Republic GP on Sunday, believes many aspects of the YZR-M1 have been improved to suit his riding style.
Hafizh's ended the test at Brno on Tuesday as the top rookie in 10th place after clocking one minute and 56.032 seconds. The Ampang-born logged in 65 laps in total.
"It was an intense test today (Tuesday) as I really wanted to work with the bike. We did many laps and I feel very good with the bike now," said Hafizh.
"We understand more now - little by little - especially with the electronics. We tried different things on the front (end) to help me turn better. We found many good points today, so I’m truly happy with the test.
"I think I did the same (similar) times like my best during the (Czech GP) weekend, but I was riding more relaxed, which is great. Before, I was fighting with the bike and now I understand it a lot better. I think we can continue like that in Austria."
Hafizh has had mixed results at the Austrian GP in Moto2 over the past two years, finishing 21st in 2016 and 10th at the Red Bull Ring last year.
"I want to score more points this weekend than during the Czech GP. I’m incredibly excited to ride this track in Spielberg with the big (MotoGP) bike.
"This is going to be a lot of fun. We’ll see what we can do, especially in the fight for the best rookie, which I want to win.
"Also, I aim to learn from the other more experienced riders, want to work hard and get closer step by step."
Hafizh, who is in a close battle with Italian Franco Morbidelli in the rookie class, showed strong pace in free practice at the Czech GP on Friday where he ended the day fourth fastest but could only manage 14th in the race due to the handling issues that held him back from the middle of the race.
He is currently 16th in the overall premier class standings, the highest placed rookie, with 24 points while Morbidelli is 17th on 22 points.