KUALA LUMPUR: Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah is unperturbed by former rival Franco Morbidelli's move to Malaysian team, Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT).
The Italian is expected to feature among the frontrunners this year as he has been given a factory 'spec A' Yamaha YZR-M1, the same as which Movistar Yamaha duo Valentino Rossi and Maverick Vinales are riding.
Morbidelli, who rode a Honda last season, has described the M1 as the most user-friendly machine in the premier class and was even reported as saying it is 'like riding on butter'.
Hafizh, Malaysia's first-ever MotoGP rider, is now in his second season with Red Bull KTM Tech3, who made the switch from Yamaha to KTM bikes this year.
The Ampang-born, who was edged by Morbidelli in the fight for the rookie of the year title last season, made it clear he is more focused on helping develop the KTM RC16 he will be using.
"I think having SRT is a positive being a Malaysian team led by Datuk Razlan Razali (team principal) and also having the backing of a Malaysian sponsor (Petronas)," said Hafizh.
"It is good to have new (team) colours on the racetrack this season, and I will try my best to be competitive against them. Yamaha have been in MotoGP for a long time compared to KTM, and (for a team switching to Yamaha) it is just like a change of clothes.
"I am not worried about Morbidelli being at SRT, my focus is on improving the (KTM) bike and trying to learn as fast as possible."
The Austrian manufacturer have only recently joined MotoGP in 2017 and are still lacking the vast data banks that powerhouses Honda and Yamaha have in the premier class.
Hafizh added that he is determined to help bring KTM to a more competitive level and give the more established manufacturers a run for their money.
"I really want to see a new name at the front in races. Obviously, Yamaha, Honda and Ducati have consistently been in front while Suzuki and Aprillia are up there sometimes or are mid-pack.
"The KTM factory are still finding aspects to improve on the bike, and this is a great chance for me gain more experience in general in MotoGP."
Hafizh disclosed that the RC16, which uses and V4 layout engine, handles much differently and has more low-end torque compared to the M1 which utilises and inline-4 engine.
As expected, Hafizh and rookie teammate Miguel Oliveiria were some way off the pace during the opening two official pre-season tests in Valencia and Jerez in November.
Tech3 concludes three days of private testing at Sepang Circuit today and will begin official testing at the same track on Feb 6-8.
ENDS.