SEPANG: It was a case of so near yet so far for rookie Syarifuddin Azman in the Moto3 race at the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia today.
Starting from 28th on the grid, the MT Helmets-MSI rider went as high as 16th in the business end of the race, but disaster struck as he crashed with three laps remaining at the Sepang Circuit.
Syarifuddin was able to rejoin the race, but would end up finishing 20th; a distant 55.108 seconds behind race winner Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP).
Ayumu Sasaki (+0.066s) made it a close 1-2 for Intact GP, and Leopard Racing's Jaume Masia (+0.328s) completed the podium.
It was an eventful race which saw eight riders crashing out.
Syarifuddin, who had struggled in practice and qualifying, said it was a disappointing way to end the weekend.
"My bike felt good during the sighting lap and I knew it was possible to fight for the points (top-15) so I attacked from the start," said Syarifuddin during the post-race media scrum.
"I had just passed one rider and was looking to overtake another when the crash happened. I was a bit too aggressive, I lost the front end and lowsided. I was pushing because I knew I had a chance of being in the points group.
"Of course I am not happy with the result, however, I have to be grateful for being able to finish the race and also achieving some improvements today."
Syarifuddin is the only Malaysian competing as a full-season rider in the world championships this year, and has yet to secure a seat for next season.
Meanwhile, wildcards Azroy Hakeem Anuar and Helmi Azman had similar luck in the Moto2 race. The Petronas MIE Racing duo started from 29th and 31st on the grid respectively.
Azroy crashed early in the race but was able to rejoin. He, however, crashed again with seven laps remaining and retired.
Helmi was able to finish the race in 23rd position, 69.940s behind race winner Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools Speed Up).
Red Bull KTM Ajo's Pedro Acosta (+7.128s) came in second, which was enough to secure him the overall Moto2 title. OnlyFans American Racing's Marcos Ramirez (+9.558s) completed the podium.