RED Bull KTM Tech3 boss Herve Poncharal hopes Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah will get the same carbon swingarm update that teammate Miguel Oliveira received in time for the German Motorcycle Grand Prix this weekend.
KTM did not give Hafizh the upgraded part for the Assen leg but he still managed an improved performance at the Dutch TT where he finished 15th, two positions below Oliveira.
It was only the second time he has finished in the points in what has been a very difficult season so far for the Ampang-born rider.
Adapting to the handling of his KTM RC16 has been a major stumbling block for Hafizh. The French team switched from Yamaha to KTM machinery this year.
The new component could help Hafizh become more competitive in upcoming rounds. Swingarms are traditionally made of aluminium but carbon fibre, in addition to being lighter, can be designed to flex at certain parameters without losing strength.
“I believe the new carbon swingarm that Miguel received in Assen helped in terms of race pace so I wish I can get it for the next round as well,” said Hafizh.
Poncharal echoed Hafizh's sentiments but is aware of the constraints faced by KTM.
KTM's factory riders Pol Espargaro and Johann Zarco have already received the swingarm update, leaving Hafizh as the only rider in the Austrian manufacturer's stable yet to be running the new part.
“We hope Hafizh can benefit from this part in the next round to improve his bike, but I leave it to KTM, because I know they are flat out, trying their best and it’s not that easy,” said Poncharal.